ISTERH/NTES/HTES 2007 ABSTRACTS
Category 1: Trace Element Intakes, Dietary Patterns, Bioavailability, and Tissue Distributions
1.P01
THE EFFECT OF ENRICHMENT WITH SUNFLOWER SEED, SESAME SEED AND ALPHA
TOCOPHEROL ACETATE TO LINOLEIC ACID QUANTITY IN COOKIES
Sumalika Piammongkol Patcharin Pakdeechanuan;
Prince of Songkla University (Pattani, Thailand)
The study investigates the nutrients and oxidative effect of enrichment with sunflower seed, sesame
seed and alpha tocopherol acetate to linoleic acid quantity in cookie. Chemical analysis for total fat
(gas-chromatography: GC), cholesterol (GC), protein (Kjedahl method), iron (atomic absorption) were
analyzed by Agro-Industry Development Center for Export, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), and
linoleic acid (GC:esterification) was analyzed by the Food Science and Nutrition Department, Faculty
of Science and Technology PSU, Thailand. Sunflower and sesame seeds were mixed with wheat flour
in proportions of 10:10%, 10:20%, 10:30%, 20:10%, 20:20%, 20:30%, 30:10%, 30:20% and 30:30%,
respectively. Sensory acceptability in the studied cookies was measured. Alpha tocopherol acetate
was added in cookie. The oxidative effect of enrichment with sunflower seed, sesame seed and alpha
tocopherol acetate to linoleic acid in cookie was evaluated by the change of the rate of oxidation in
thiobarbituric acids (TBARS) and peroxide value. Results showed that cookies enriched with
sunflower and sesame seed in the proportion of 20:10% with 1500 ppm alpha tocopherol acetate
were significantly better in smell, taste, texture and preference (p<0.05). Nutrients in 100 g of cookies
with 20% of sunflower seed and 10% of sesame seed consists of 545.53 calories, 8.92 g protein,
32.21 g total fat, 13.30 mg cholesterol, 56.49 g carbohydrate, 336 mg sodium, 1.6 mg iron and 25.6
mg of linoleic acid. The expanding rate was 1.06+0.02 cm and hardness was 257.06+1.49 g. Color L*,
a* and b* was 69.93+0.82, 5.31+0.59 and 22.98+0.48, respectively. The addition of 1500 ppm alpha
tocopherol acetate to cookies had more linoleic acid than the controls. Alpha tocopherol acetate can
reduce oxidation reaction of linoleic acid in cookies. This kind of cookie consists of some amount of
iron.
1.P02
ESTIMATION OF THE POTENTIALLY BIOAVAILABLE FRACTION OF COPPER AND ARSENIC
IN SOILS BY DGT
Ilenia Cattani, Raffaella Boccelli, Ettore Capri, and Attilio A.M. Del Re
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Cremona, Italy)
The existing Italian and European regulation concerning agricultural soils is based on a risk
assessment procedure that takes into account only the total concentration of heavy metals. This
conflicts with the well-known assumption that the concentration to which organisms and plants are
exposed is represented by the 'bioavailable' fraction. The fraction bioavailable to plants is the amount
that can be taken up by the roots of a given plant species and strongly depends on its oxidation state,
on the chemical form, on soil properties and on the root activity. The technique of diffusive gradients
in thin films (DGT) is by now recognized as a tool to measure the potentially available concentration in
soil solution and as a mime for plant uptake. This work represents a survey of two different
investigations, realized separately to study the bioavailability of copper and arsenic in two different
cases-study, all represented by Italian soils, polluted by long-term human activities (agricultural and
industrial respectively). In all cases, even if concentration of metals in soils was very high and,
according to the law, unacceptable for crop cultivation, the soluble and the bioavailable
concentrations were very low, suggesting an unlikely accumulation in crops. Subsequently, for copper
and arsenic, we also investigated the mobilization induced in the rhizosphere by a tolerant and a
hyperaccumulator plant respectively (Zea mays and Pteris vittata). All the experiments were
performed by DGT.
1.P03
RESEARCH STUDIES RELATED TO THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO
BORON ON PEOPLE LIVING IN TURKIYE
Sinem KARAKAS, and Erk INGER
National Boron Research Institute (Ankara, Turkey)
Turkiye has the world’s largest borate deposite and is the leading boron ore producer in the world.
National Boron Research Institute (BOREN) was established under the authority of Ministry of Energy
and National Resources. BOREN aims to increase consumption of boron products in Turkiye and to
develop and support R&D studies for new potential sources. Another scope of BOREN is to form a
databank and documentation centre for the people interested in boron products and all related fields.
For this purpose; questionnaires, national/ international workshops, symposiums and discussion
meetings have been arranged. The Institute is taking a role as a bridge between universities, research
organizations, and public/private sector companies. Boron is a naturally occurring trace element and
is ubiquitous in the human environment. Some investigators have reported that boron is essential for
human health. Although the mechanism of boron in human is not understood clearly, it is known that
boron has an important role in calcium and magnesium metabolism, bone growth, and insulin
metabolism. On the other hand, on the basis of some results from animal tests, it has been claimed
that high intakes of boron have a toxic effect on reproductive function in humans.These conclusions
are controversial since the high boron levels used in animal studies are not equivalent to typical
human dietary boron intakes. However, inhalation of boron-containing dust during the process of
boron mining, subsequent industrial processing, or manufacture of boron-containing products may
increase body boron levels. From this perspective, BOREN has supported new boron research
projects related to animal boron nutrition, human male fertility, and the prevention of prostate cancer.
Situated in the world’s largest natural boron laboratory area, BOREN is equipped uniquely to conduct
new boron health studies with interested collaborators.
1.P04
MOLYBDENUM IN THE ENVIRONMENT IN CONNECTION WITH BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Vadim Ermakov, and Angelina Soboleeva
V.I. Vernadsky Institute of geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry (Moscow, Russian Federation)
The level of molybdenum and copper concentrations in organisms (plants, lichens, mushrooms, hair
of cattle) under conditions of opened deposits and background territories of East Transbaikalia and
Northern Caucasus was investigated. Copper and molybdenum were determined by means of AAS
and ICP-MS. The method precision was controlled through standard soil samples (USA, Poland,
China). It is established, that on a level of molybdenum and its accumulation by plants, landscapes of
Tyrni-Auz Mo-W-mining exceed the natural-man-made biogeochenoses of East Transbaikalia
(Bugdaya, Verkhniya Shakhtama) appreciablly. Indicator value have the cow vetch - Vicia crassa, the
larch - Larix sibirica (needles), some groups of mosses and lichens and to a lesser degree - leaves of
the birch - Betula alba, mushrooms and seaweed on accumulation of Mo and Cu. At an intoxication of
cattle by copper compounds concentrations of molybdenum in hair are sharply reduced, and
diagnostics of Mo- and Cu-microelementhoses can be carried out under the contents of these metals
in hair cover. Supported by grant of RFFR 05-05-64547.
1.P05
ASSESSMENTS OF EXPOSURE TO DIETARY TRACE ELEMENTS IN CHINA
Junquan Gao 1, Xiaowei Li 1, Xiaoxi Liu 1, and Liping Liu 2
1
National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(Beijing, China); 2 Beijing CDC (Beijing, China)
In order to assess the safety and nutritional status of dietary trace elements in different areas in
China, the dietary intakes of fifteen trace elements have been obtained in Chinese adult males by
using the 2000 Chinese Total Diet Study approach. These elements include Fe, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Cr,
Ni, V, Li, Mo, Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, total and inorganic arsenic. The dietary safety of these trace elements
was assessed by using themselves PTWI recommended by WHO. Nutritional status was evaluated
by RNI and AI as established by the Chinese Nutrition Society. Chinese dietary Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, total
arsenic and inorganic arsenic intakes (% of PTWI) in adult male were 0.081 mg/d (36.1%), 0.022
mg/d (35.3%), 0.007 mg/d (15.2%), 22.9 mg/d (36.3%), 0.276 mg/d and 0.079 mg/d (58.6%),
respectively. The main dietary sources of these harmful elements were cereals and vegetables.
Chinese dietary intakes of Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, V and Li (% of AI or RNI) in adult males
were 13.0 mg/d (87.0%), 10.4 mg/d (69.3%), 1.7 mg/d (84.5%), 0.064 mg/d (128.6%), 3.8 mg/d
(127.9%), 0.138 mg/d (276.4%), 0.257 mg/d (428.9%), 0.242 mg/d, 0.034 mg/d, and 0.053 mg/d
respectively. The dietary intakes of selenium were higher than RNI in most provinces, but the intakes
in Ningxia (0.037 mg/d) and Jiangxi (0.040 mg/d) were lower than the average level. Harmful
elements in most food groups of four regions were well below the national limited standards of China
except a few samples in some areas, such as lead in eggs in South 1 region exceeded 8.1% of
limited standard as well as cadmium in aquatic foods in North 1 and South 1 exceeded 49.0% and
27.6% of limited standards respectively. The results indicate that dietary lead, cadmium, total
mercury, total arsenic and inorganic arsenic intakes were safe in different regions. The intakes of iron
and zinc through the diet are insufficient in Chinese people.
1.P06
OPEN
1.P07
BENEFICIAL ROLE OF MONOTHIOLS ALONG WITH MAGNESIUM IN THE MOBILIZATION OF
MERCURY: A POSSIBLE MECHANISM
Varsha Singh 1, Mohamed Abdulla 2, Sadhana Shrivastava 1, and Sangeeta Shukla 1
1
Jiwaji University (Gwalior, India); 2 Trace Element- Institute for UNESCO, (Lyon, France)
Chronic exposure of mercurial organic compounds is a worldwide health concern and could be
pathogenetically relevant as co-factor in several neurodegenerative diseases. Occupational exposure
to methyl mercury in humans is 0.026 mg/Hg/day and causes neurological symptoms. The aim of the
present study is to develop a companion formula of chelator along with antioxidants as an intervention
strategy and thus a practical solution to mercury intoxication. The present investigation relates to the
exposure of methylmercury in rats. The efficacy of exogenous applications of glutathione (0.3 mM/kg,
i. p.), D-penicillamine (50 mg/kg, p.o) in combination with magnesium (10 mg/kg, p.o.) in the
acceleration of sub-chronic mercury (1.5 mg/kg, p.o.) elimination and in the reversal of intoxication
has been discussed. Administration of mercury (5 days/week for 21 days) produces significant rise in
the serum enzymatic activities (AST, ALT, SALP, and LDH) (P < 0.05). A rise was found in hepatic,
renal and neuronal lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decline in reduced glutathione (P < 0.05).
The enzymatic activities of GSH cycle, such as GPx, GR and G-6PDH were also altered due to
oxidative damage. A fall was observed in the enzymatic activity of AChE in fore, mid and hind brain.
Results revealed that the combination of GSH + Mg (5 days post treatment) proved to be the most
efficacious in mobilizing mercury and helped in the recovery of biochemical variables. Light
microscopic and ultrastructural changes also supported the above findings.
1.P08
TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE RAT
Heloisa Bordallo, Torsten Bartz, Dorothea Alber, and Antonios Kyriakopoulos
Hahn-Meitner-Institut (Berlin, Germany)
Trace elements play a significant role in the human body. Some of them are bounded covalent to
proteins such as the selenoproteins but other binding forms are also possible. Trace elementcontaining proteins are involved in metabolic processes. Therefore, their availability is indispensable
in living form of life. In the present study investigation with regard to the distribution of some trace
elements in the gastro-intestinal tract of the rat was carried out. As analytical instrument for this study
the instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used. After a suitable preparation of the
samples for their irradiation by means of the neutrons which were obtained from the BER II the
concentration of some trace elements were determined. The obtained results regarding the
determination of the concentration of several trace elements in the digestive system indicate at first
the importance of the elements in this tract and on the other hand provide information about the
existence of trace element-containing proteins.
1.P09
LYSOSOMES OF THE GASTRIC MUCOSA CELLS: A SITE OF ACCUMULATION OF ALUMINIUM
AND INDIUM
Tekaya Leila, Maghraoui Samira, Maaroufi Houcine, and Ayadi Ahlem
Faculty of Medicine of Tunis (Ariana, Tunisia)
Aluminium (Al) and indium (In) are two neurotoxics used in both medicine and industry. Aluminium is
present in drinking water, in antacid medicines and in antiperspirants. Indium is used as a dental alloy
and as a radiotracer and in nuclear reactor, lamps and in jewelery. Aluminium and indium have been
involved as causative factors in several clinical and neuropathological diseases like encephalopathy,
osteomalacia, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis after parenteral administration. In the present work we
have attempted to study the behaviour of these elements in the gastric mucosa and the liver after
their intragastric administration, using the conventional transmission electron microscopy. The
ultrastructural study showed that aluminium and indium were concentrated as electron dense
granulations in the lysosomes of the principal and parietal cells of the gastric mucosa. No aluminium
or indium accumulation was detected in the various studied hepatic territories. Aluminium and indium
deposits were never observed in stomach and liver cells of the control rats. The mechanism of
concentration and insolubilisation of mineral elements in the lysosomes can be considered as a
physiological process to protect the organism against invasion of toxics in the blood.
1.P10
MIXED EXPOSURE TO NEPHROTOXIC METALS IN A BANGLADESHI POPULATION WITH
PREVALENT MALNOURISHMENT AND RISKS FOR KIDNEY EFFECTS
Anna-Lena Lindberg 1, Shams El Arifeen 2, Mahfuzar Rahman 2, Lars-Åke Persson 3, Eva-Charlotte
Ekström 3, Marie Vahter 4, Alfred Bernard 5, and Marika Berglund 4
1
Karolinska institute (Stockholm, Sweden); 2 International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research
(ICDDR,B) (Dhaka, Bangladesh); 3 International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University
(Uppsala, Sweden); 4 Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden);
5
University of Louvain (Brussels, Belgium)
Arsenic, cadmium, inorganic mercury, lead and uranium are known to be nephrotoxic at high
exposure levels. Although people often are exposed to several of the metals, the potential health
effects have almost exclusively been evaluated for the metals one by one. Very few studies have
addressed the possible interactive effects of combined exposure, or the modifying effect of
malnutrition. Recently, early signs of renal dysfunction were observed for both adults and children
following simultaneous environmental exposure to rather low exposure levels of cadmium and
arsenic. Therefore, we decided to investigate the possible interactive effects on kidney function of
long-term, low-level multi-metal exposure in Matlab, Bangladesh, where we previously have found
elevated concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, and that people are potentially exposed to
cadmium and lead via foods (rice is main staple food) and inhalation at various levels depending on
water source, food habits and activity patterns. Urine and serum samples that were previously
collected within the AsMat study (Arsenic in tube-well water and health consequences in Matlab) in
Bangladesh were analysed for biomarkers of metal exposure, early renal effects (U-RBP, U-Alb; SCystatin) and nutrition (S-fer, Zn, Se, vit A, BMI). Information on potential covariates such as age,
gender, socioeconomic status, diabetes, etc was included in the analysis. The study group comprises
about 1000 individuals; 700 men and women above 30 yrs of age, 100 adolescents 14-15 yrs of age
and 200 children 8-12 yrs of age, randomly selected from the Matlab population. Preliminary results
indicate elevated exposure to arsenic, cadmium and lead (median concentrations in urine 77, 0.60
and 2.5 µg/L, respectively) and prevalent malnutrition (37% of adults had a BMI <18.5 kg/m2).
Acknowledgement: Financial support provided by WHO, SIDA, USAID, and PHIME is gratefully
acknowledged.
1.P11
CONTAMINATION OF SELECTED FOOD BY HEAVY METALS
Jozef Golian, Peter Zajac, Robert Toman, and Branislav Siska
Slovak Agricultural University (Nitra, Slovakia)
In our project, we evaluated content of cadmium, mercury and lead in selected groups of food. We
analysed 1946 samples of food. Samples were taken from several food companies covering the
whole area of Slovakia during 2004, 2005 and 2006. 254 samples were analysed for cadmium
content. In 2004, there were 100 samples (39.3%) below detection limit, mostly samples of wine
(100%). Samples below detection limit were not from noodles, bread or rolls (0% below detection
limit). The highest acceptable level was exceeded in 2 (mill products and dried fruits) of 12 kinds of
food. In 2004, the highest acceptable level was exceeded only in 1 kind of food (sweets), 1 sample of
15 exceeded highest acceptable level (6.6%). Also, in 2006, the highest acceptable level was
exceeded only in 1 kind of food (dried fruits) in 1 sample of 16 (6.2%). 633 samples were analyzed for
mercury content. Samples of 12 kind of food didn’t contain mercury content about highest acceptable
level. During 2004, 2005 and 2006 663 samples were analyzed for lead content in 12 kind of food. In
this period, the highest acceptable level of lead content were exceeded in 5 groups of food. In 2004,
only one kind (fruits beverages), in 2005 two kind (sweets and fruit beverages) and in 2006 two kinds
(dried fruits and fruits beverages) had exceeded the highest acceptable level.
1.P12
INVESTIGATION OF INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HAIR AND WHOLE BLOOD MACRO
AND TRACE ELEMENT CONTENTS IN HUMANS
Anatoly Skalny 1, Andrei Grabeklis 1, Sergey Nadorov 2, and Margarita Skalnaya 3
Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology RAMS (Moscow, Russian Federation); 2 Institute
of Pharmacology RAMS (Moscow, Russian Federation); 3 ANO "Centre or Biotic Medicine" (Moscow,
Russian Federation)
1
Multielement (Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Si, Se, Ni, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) analysis of
scalp hair and whole blood of 173 healthy subjects (97 males, 76 females; 1-49 y.o.) were performed
by combined ICP-OES/ICP-MS. The samples were treated by m.w. digestion; CRM GBW09101 and
ClinCheck 8840-8843 were used for quality control. According to Pearson (P) and Spearman (S)
correlation, hair Pb finely corresponds with whole blood Pb concentration (r=0.59-0.78 P, 0.35-0.82 S
in males and 0.50-0.63 P, 0.81 S in females). In different age and sex groups the most common were
positive correlations for Cd (r=0.49-0.89), Ni (0.35-0.68), Co (0.33-0.54). In 4-6 y.o. boys there were
significant correlations for Zn (r=0.41 S, 0.43 P), Ni (0.41 S, 0.68 P), Pb (0.72 P), Co (0.60 P) and As
(-0.40 S,P). In 1-3 y.o. boys negative correlations for P (r=-0.78 S, -0.77 P) were found. In 1-6 y.o.
girls such group of elements included besides Pb, Ni, Co, Cd also Fe (r=0.61 P), Mn (0.50 P) and Se
(0.55 P). In 18-34 y.o. males significant positive correlations between hair and blood Hg, Pb, Cu
(r=0.35 S) and the negative one in case of Cr (r=-0.35 S) were found. In 18-34 y.o. females there
were close interrelationships for Ca (r=-0.90 S), Cd (0.89 S). In 35-49 y.o. males hair Pb (r=0.82 S)
and Cd (0.89 S) significantly correlated with their blood concentrations. In females there were strong
correlations for Cd (r=0.63 S, 1.00 P), Hg (0.96 P), Pb (0.81 S), P (0.94 P), Zn (0.89 P). General
considerations are: (a) hair can reflect the body content of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Co, Ni, Zn, Al, P, Cr, Cu,
Se, Fe, Ca; (b) hair and whole blood elemental content correlations depend on age and sex; (c) the
correlations are more prominent in children; (d) hair and blood element contents of main toxic metals
(Pb, Cd) correspond closely in any age and sex. So, human hair multielement analysis can be
recommended widely as a diagnostic tool for non-invasive assessment of body macro and trace
element status.
1.P13
A NATION-WIDE SURVEY OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN LYNX, WOLVERINES, WOLVES AND
BROWN BEARS IN NORWAY
Trond Peder Flaten 1, Lars Haug Andersen 2, Aase Marie Hersleth Holsen 3, Vivian Grønhaug Ottemo
3
, Hans Christian Pedersen 4, Eiliv Steinnes 3, Syverin Lierhagen 3, and Bjørn Munro Jenssen 2
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 Norwegian University of
Science and Technology, Department of Biology (Trondheim, Norway); 3 Norwegian University of
Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry (Trondheim, Norway); 4 Norwegian Institute for
Nature Research (Trondheim, Norway)
Since 1993 in Norway, the Directorate for Nature Management has systematically registered all
individuals of the large predators brown bear (Ursus arctos), grey wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx)
and wolverine (Gulo gulo) that have been either shot, hit by a car or found dead. By 2006, the
resulting database encompassed 1464 animals. Considerable efforts are continuously made to
identify as many animals as possible from these 4 species, and to collect tissue samples when
practically possible. From the 1464 animals, we carefully selected approximately 150 individuals of
lynx and 100 wolverines, on the basis of age, sex and geographical distribution. All individuals of
bears (29) and wolves (39) where tissues existed were included in the study. We are not aware of any
published similar large-scale systematic studies of trace elements in large predators worldwide. A few
studies have been published on the contents of a limited number of metals in terrestrial mammals in
Norway, mostly on herbivores such as moose and hare, but these have covered only few subjects
from restricted areas. Great care was taken to avoid contamination of the samples during preparation
and analysis. Tissue samples of 0.7-1.3 g were dissected from partially thawed liver, kidney and
muscle, using titanium knives on polyethene boards. The samples were then freeze-dried to constant
weight in order to express the concentrations on a dry weight basis. The freeze-dried samples were
decomposed with concentrated nitric acid in an UltraClave (microwave-based decomposition unit)
before determination of more than 50 elements employing high-resolution inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Results will be presented at the conference.
1.P14
IRON-ZINC-COPPER INTERACTIONS IN EDIBLE INSECT JUMIL BUG EUCHISTUS
TAXCOENSIS A
Virginia Melo 1, José Salas 1 Edilberto Castrejon 1, Ma. Del Carmen Herrera 2, Jorge Rivero 3
UAM-X (Mexico, and Mexico) 2 UAM-I (Mexico, Mexico); 3 UNAM-CCH-ORIENTE (Mexico, Mexico)
1
Sixteen mineral elements are generally considered nutritionally essential for humans or as toxic in
excessive concentrations, 7 major or macrominerals (Ca, P, K, Na, Cl, Mg, and S) and another 8
trace or microminerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Co, and Mo) that should be included in a population
regular diet. Mineral requirements and intake are affected by many factors; people age, chemical form
of elements, interrelationship among them and with other nutrients, therefore in selection of food,
must be consider the biological availability of the desired elements to obtain the suitable source of
them. The aim of this study is to esstablish interaction factors that affect bioavailability and absorption
of iron-zinc-copper minerals in humans. Iron deficiency is a common nutritional problem worldwide,
ranging from effects on energy metabolism and immune function, to cognitive and motor
development. Manifestations of zinc deficiency are growth retardation, dermatitis, infections,
predisposition and skeletal abnormalities. Copper deficiency causes hypochromic anemia and
increased risk of infection. Elements interactions occur in biological systems, when elements share
the same absorptive pathways, or when deficiency of one element affects the metabolism of another.
Evaluation of Fe, Zn, Cu content in jumil bug Euchistus taxcoensis A. gathered November 2006, and
analysis of the ash samples performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data obtained: for
iron 9.47 mg/100g; zinc 8.97 mg/100g; copper 0.59 mg/100g. Mineral intake requirements for adults
are Fe 10mg/day; Zn 10 to 15 mg/day, Cu 1.5 mg/day. Elements mentioned interact with each other,
but in jumil bugs metals ratio are balanced. Interactions occur when the elements given as a
supplement with pharmacological preparations and food fortifications or, dosages of micronutrients,
do not consider them so excessive concentrations become toxic. Mineral content in jumil bugs may
vary according environmental conditions.
1.P15
MERCURY IN URINE AFTER DENTAL RESTORATION
Syverin Lierhagen 1, and Tore Syversen 2
Norwegian University of Science and technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 NTNU (Trondheim,
Norway)
1
A major source for human exposure to inorganic mercury is dental amalgam. It has been established
that amalgam fillings will slowly release mercury into the oral cavity. For a period of one year one of
us (SL) removed 27 amalgam surfaces during 11 sessions in the dentistry. The surfaces were
replaced with composite material. Urine samples were collected two hours prior to the dentist
appointment and a new sample was collected the next morning. The first 100 ml of urine was
discarded and the following 100-150 ml was collected for analyses of creatinin and trace elements.
Trace elements were measured using high resolution ICP-MS (Element 2). A decline in urinary
mercury level was observed.
1.P16
TRACE ELEMENTS IN BLOOD FROM DENTAL HEALTH PERSONNEL
Tore Syversen 1, Lars Evje 2, Torgunn Qvenild 3, Kristin Svendsen 2, and Bjørn Hilt 3
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 NTNU (Trondheim,
Norway); 3 St.Olavs University Hospital (Trondheim, Norway)
During 2006, a questionnaire survey of more than 2000 employees in dental surgeries in the central
part of Norway was performed. The main purpose of the study was to search for possible correlation
between mercury exposure from the use of amalgam and a range of health effects. A group of 52
persons were selected for a detailed interview. The selection criteria were based on self-reported
assessment of work conditions and possible exposure. An exposure score was generated on the
basis of these criteria and the group was divided into low, medium and high score for possible
exposure. Extensive use of copper based amalgam was part of the exposure score. Most of the
exposures to mercury amalgams were terminated several years ago, and the use of amalgam in
dentistry is very sparse today. At the time of interview a blood sample was taken and analyzed for 31
trace elements including mercury, selenium and zinc using HR-ICP-MS (Element 2, Bremen,
Germany). Results show that the ranges of blood concentrations in the three groups were quite large.
There was no readily observable correlation between exposure score and blood concentration of
mercury.
1.P17
INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC SELENIUM ADDITION IN FEED RATION ON MUSCLE TISSUE
STRUCTURE AND MEAT QUALITY IN CALVES
Svatoslav HLUCHY, Robert TOMAN, and Juraj CUBON
Slovak Agricultural University (Nitra, Slovakia)
The effects of dietary intake of selenium on calf muscle tissue structure, carcass composition, feeding
indicators and quality of meat were investigated. In this work Holstein-Friesian calf carcasses were
evaluated. Animals were divided into two groups. The control group (1) was given feed ration without
selenium, experimental group (2) received 600 ppm of selenium in feed ration daily during 60 days.
Animals were slaughtered on experimental abattoir of RIAS Nitra after 24 hour starvation. Samples
from musculus longissimus thoracis (MLT) and musculus semimembranosus (MSM) for histological
evaluation were taken within 30 minutes after slaughter. Muscle samples were immediately frozen in
liquid nitrogen and histochemically processed. Iindicators of carcass composition, meat quality and
feeding indicators were observed. Histological analysis show higher diameter of alpha white muscle
fibers in MSM and MLD in control group, while alpha - red and beta - red muscle fibers were thicker in
experimental group. Higher proportion of alpha - white muscle fibers in control group (1) was obtained
while alpha - red and beta - red muscle fibers had higher proportion in experimental group (2).
Differences between relative volumes of connective tissue and adipose tissue were non significant.
Similar results were found in MLT. These results demonstrate that, organic selenium addition in feed
ration have not signifficant effect on histological structure of muscle in calves. Indicators of carcass
composition and feeding indicators were not influenced by selenium supplementation. From
technological indicators of meat quality. selenium supplementation significantly affected only water
holding capacity.
1.P18
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF POTENTIALLY TOXIC METALS MOBILISED FROM ACID
SULPHATE SOILS IN FINLAND: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Rasmus Fältmarsch 1, Mats Åström 2, and Kari-Matti Vuori 3
1
Åbo Akademi University (Åbo, Finland); 2 Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Kalmar
University (Kalmar, Sweden); 3 Finnish Environment Institute and University of Oulu, Department of
Biology (Oulu, Finland)
Acid sulphate (AS) soils currently cover a total of approximately 17-24 million ha in the coastal regions
worldwide, with major occurrences in Africa, eastern Australia, Asia and Latin America. In europe, the
largest AS soil occurrences are found in Finland (1000-3000 km2) and Sweden (500-1400 km2).
These soils develop where sulphide-rich sediments are exposed to atmospheric oxygen resulting in
sulphide oxidation and thus formation of sulphuric acid within the soil. The oxidation and weathering
of these sulphide-rich sediments, which have risen above the sea level as a result of isostatic land
uplift, have occurred as a result of artificial farmland drainage. This give rise to very acidic conditions
(pH 2.5-4.5) and mobilization of potentially toxic metals (e.g. Co, Mn, Al) from soil minerals. It has
recently been shown, that much larger quantities of a number of potentially toxic metals are leached
from these soils than from the entire Finnish industry taken together. Based on the alarmingly few
studies that have been carried out, all indicate an extensive and serious effect on biota, including
metal imbalances in crops and elevated concentrations of Al and Zn in the milk of cows. Acid sulphate
soils have significant, but spatially and temporally variable impacts on biodiversity and community
structure of fish, benthic invertebrates and macrophytes, with numerous cases of mass fish kills along
the Finnish coast. Furthermore, chronic exposure to high concentrations of metals pose an actual
threat on human health. The potential risks for Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s disease in AS soil
landscapes are discussed.
1.P19
LEVELS OF SELECTED TRACE ELEMENTS IN BLOOD OF CZECH SCHOOL CHILDREN AND
WOMEN
Milena cerna 1, Andrea Batariova 1, Vera Spevackova 1, Maja Cejchanova 1, Katerina Wranova 2,
Bohuslav Benes 1, and Jiri Smid 1
1
National Institute of Public Health (Prague 10, Czech Republic); 2 National Institute of Public Health,
Charles University Faculty of Science in Prague (Prague 10, Czech Republic)
One part of the Human Biomonitoring in the Czech Republic is focused on the determination of
selected trace elements in blood of more vulnerable populations like school children or women. 1454
blood samples of children aged 8-10 years and 846 blood samples in women were analyzed in the
first monitored period 1996-2003. The second period since 2005 included 172 women, mean age of
34 yrs. In 2006, we analyzed blood from 399 children, mean age of 9.2 yrs. Informed consent was
obtained from each adult and child’s parents. Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn were determined by ETAAS, Se by
HGAAS, Hg by CVAAS. Data were processed using Unistat 5.1 and Statistica 7. In children, blood Pb
levels (medians) in the particular years vary between 36 and 30 µg/l with no significant decreasing
trend and slightly lower levels in girls. The current Czech reference value for blood Pb in children is 55
µg/l. In adults, significantly lower levels were observed in women (25 µg/l) than in men (35 µg/l); timerelated descending trend and age-related increase was observed in both genders. The levels of Cd in
blood of children were in more than 60% of samples below the detection limit 0.3 µg/l. In non-smoking
women the levels (medians) in the particular years vary between 0.75 and 0.5 µg/l. The levels of Hg
in blood (medians) of children in consecutive monitored years were 0.57, 0.39, 0.38, and 0.42 µg/l,
respectively. In adults, the values increased with age; in women were significantly higher (Me 1.16
µg/l) than in men (Me 0.91 µg/l). The levels of Se in blood vary between 64 – 72 µg/l irrespective of
gender. In adults, significant ascending trend was observed. The levels of Cu in blood were higher in
female than in male. Increased values were observed in women taking oral contraceptives. The
obtained levels of trace elements did not exceed the existing biological significant limit values. The
levels of the toxic elements tend to gradual decline in time. Partially funded by the FOOD-CT-2006016253 (PHIME).
1.P20
TRACE ELEMENTS IN NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Lars Evje, Marte Aurstad Aspnes, and Tore Syversen
Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway)
Trace elements in 54 nutritional supplements were analysed by High Resolution Inductively Coupled
Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS, Element 2, Bremen, Germany). These products included
mineral and trace element supplements, both as single and multi element preparations. The main
objective was to evaluate whether the product composition was accurately represented by the product
declaration. The products were also analyzed for undeclared essential or toxic elements. Product user
directions were examined and compared to public dietary intake recommendations of the elements.
The results from this study show that most supplements contained all the declared minerals and trace
elements. However, there were several discrepancies between product declaration and measured
values, including deviation from declared values and presence of undeclared elements. The observed
deviations are unlikely to pose any risk of serious health problems for the consumer. User
declarations for the majority of products were in concordance with public dietary recommendations.
However, content deviations may in some cases lead to intake in moderate excess of recommended
doses.
1.P21
MINERALS AND PHYTATES CONTENT OF SOME COMPLEMENTARY FOODS
FROM CAMEROON
Marie Modestine Kana Sop1, Mathias Seifert2, Manfred Anke3, Donald Oberleas4; 1University of
Douala (Douala, Cameroon); 2Research Institution (Detmold, USA); 3University of
Jena, Emeritus (Jena, Germany); 4Texas Tech University (Emeritus) (Texas, USA)
Inappropriate complementary feeding linked with scarcity of data on foods composition is the main
cause of malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies among Cameroon children. This study assessed
content of 8 minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni) and phytates of 30 maize and Irish potatoes
based complementary foods. The analysis of minerals was done by F-AAS for Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn and
by GF-AAS for Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni. Phytates content were determined by HPLC and Phytates/Zinc
molar ratio calculated. From the analyses minerals content expressed in mg/100g dry matter (DM)
ranged respectively from 13.88 to 149.3, 3.56 to 9.39, 6.07 to 142.7, 0.20 to 2.58, for Ca, Fe, Mg and
Zn respectively. Expressed in µg/100g DM 2.67 to 120.07 (28.67 ± 26.1 07) 0.052 to 1.87 (0.46 ±
0.49); 0.67 to 98.85 (16.86 ± 20.23); 1.78 to 804.52, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni respectively and for phytates
were ranged from 0.000 to 6.043, and Phytates/zinc ration from 0.000 to 51.62. It appears that
germination and fermentation reduced the level of phytates, however, the level of minerals content in
the samples did not change significantly.
1.P22
ASSESSMENT OF MINERALS CONTENT AND ACID EXTRACTION IN MAIZE BASED
COMPLEMENTARY FOODS FROM CAMEROON USING HR-ICP-MS
Marie Modestine Kana Sop 1, Marte Aspnes Aurstad 2, Renate Meloe 2, Lars Evje 2, and Tore
Syversen 2
1
University of Douala (Douala, Cameroon); 2 Norwegian University of Science and Technology
(Trondheim, Norway)
Complementary foods in developing countries like Cameroon are based mostly on cereals or tubers,
characterized by bulk and poor nutrients density. Various treatments were used to improve nutritional
value of 28 complementary traditional gruels. Content of 16 minerals (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mo, Mn, Cu,
Cr, Al, Ni, Se, Sn, Cd, Pb, Hg and As) and their acid extraction percentages were determined using
HR-ICP-MS. Median content in µg/g were 62, 12, 433, 0.2, 239, 105, 50, 1,1, and 1 for Fe, Zn, Mg,
Mo, Mn, Al, Ca, Cu, Ni and Pb respectively. Expressed in ng/g, they were 40, 173, 30.2, 55, 9, and 98
for Sn, Cr, As, Se, Cd and Hg. Median extraction percentage were 16%, 14%,14%, 14%,12%, 11%,
9.1%,7.3%,7.2%, 3.8%, 2.8%, 2.3%,1.9%,1.7%,1%, and 1% for Mg, Mn, Zn, Ca, Ni, Pb, Cu, As, Cd,
Al, Se, Fe, Mo, Hg, Cr, and Sn respectively. There were correlations between magnesium and zinc
and between cadmium and molybdenum with the correlation coefficients over 0.9. Dehusking maize
led to lower content of all the analyzed minerals except copper and aluminium. Germination leads to a
reduction from 50 to 100% of the elements tin, lead, chromium, mercury and iron. Manganese,
calcium, nickel and copper were reduced by less than 25%. There was no obvious difference in the
content of zinc and magnesium. However, minerals extraction in germinated soya bean was very
good.
1.P23
EFFECT OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN A COMPLEX PREPARATE (IMMUNOVET-HBMTM) ON THE
ABSORPTION FROM THE ANIMAL DIGESTIVE TRACT
JAKAB LASZLO, NAGY GYULA, and KOSA EMMA
SZENT ISTVAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE (BUDAPEST, Hungary)
Farm animals acquire the macro- and microelements via feedstuffs. Industrially compounded feeds
are supplemented with macro and microelement premixes according to the species, breeds, age and
production branch of animals. In premixes the elements are presented overwhelmingly in the form of
inorganic salts and their rate of utilization is often unsatisfactory owing to miscellaneous reasons.
Number of reports published recently gave account on the beneficial effects of metallo-chelates or
proteinates as source of important elements in animal diets. Immunovet-HBMTM is a fermented
wheat-germ extract with high content of minerals, organically-bounded trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu,
Zn, Se) vitamins (A, E, D etc.) with prebiotic, immunstimulant and growth promoting effects. The
authors summarize their experimental results obtained with this complex preparate on large scale
poultry and swine operations. In average housing and management conditions, the ImmunovetHBMTM in a daily dose of 1 kg/t feedstuff can efficiently improve several production parameters (e. g.
ADWG, FCR etc.) of broiler and fattening pig production when offered from day 1 till the end of
rearing or from weaning till slaughtering. Several components of the preparate, among other the
additional supplementation with microelements may play a decisive role viz. via enhancement of selfproduced digestive enzymes and absorption of nutrients and biologically active materials. This natural
growth promoter puts a smaller load onto the animal organism and environment and increases the
value and safety of foods of animal origin.
1.P24
EFFECT OF ONE YEAR OF IRON/ZINC FORTIFICATION ON BODY IRON STORES OF
CHILDREN AGED 1-4 YEARS
Pratibha Dhingra 1, Usha Dhingra 2, Archana Sarkar 1, Venugopal P Menon 1, Robert E Black 2, Saikat
Deb 2, and Sunil Sazawal 2
1
Center for Micronutrient Research,Annamalai University (New Delhi, India); 2 Johns Hopkins
University (Baltimore, USA)
Iron deficiency in spite of supplementation programs continues to be highly prevalent in children.
Food based approaches for combating both iron and zinc deficiency are only feasible interventions.
We evaluated milk as a vehicle for delivery of micronutrients, and its impact on body iron stores
among 1-4 years children. In a community based, double masked, randomized, controlled trial in a
peri urban north India, a total of 633 children were enrolled and randomly allocated to consume 3
feeds per day of either, fortified milk (FM, n=316) or same milk without fortification (WF, n=317).
Fortified milk delivered 9.6 mg iron, 9.6 mg zinc (additional 7.8 mg zinc), 6.6 ug selenium (additional
4.2 µg), 0.3 mg copper (additional 0.27 mg), 1110 IU vitamin A (additional 540 IU), 48 mg vitamin C
(additional 40.2 mg), 8.1 mg vitamin E (additional 7.5 mg) per day. Milk Preparations were provided
by Fonterra Brands Ltd, New Zealand and the intervention continued for 1 year. The venous blood
sample was drawn at baseline and end study; serum ferritin/sTfR levels were analyzed using ELISA
and the ratio of the serum transferrin receptor to serum ferritin was used to estimate body iron stores.
Effects of intervention on body iron stores were assessed by estimating paired mean change between
baseline and end study (FM =94; WF =102). At baseline the mean body iron stores (mg/kg) were
comparable across the study groups (FM, n=166: -4.2±3.5; WF, n=167: -3.5±3.8; p=0.09). The mean
body iron stores significantly improved among children consuming fortified milk [Iron stores (mg/kg),
Diff of mean: 3.89 (95% CI: 2.74, 5.03), p<0.001. Fortification of milk with iron and zinc resulted in
significant improvement in body iron stores among preschool children. This study is registered as an
International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial, number NCT00255385.
1.P25
ELEVATED LEVELS OF SELENIUM IN THE TYPICAL DIET OF THE AMAZONIAN RIPARIAN
POPULATION
Mélanie Lemire 1, Fábio Sidonio de Barros Evangelista 2, Elene Paltrineiri Nardi 2, Myriam Fillion 1,
Jean Rémy Davée Guimarães 3, Fernando Barbosa Jr. 2, and Donna Mergler 1
1
Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l’environnement
(CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal (Montréal, Canada); 2 Depto. de Análises Clínicas,
Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo (Ribeirão Preto, Brazil); 3 Instituto de
Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Fish is a nutritious food but it accumulates many toxic substances, including mercury. As part of our
efforts in the Brazilian Amazon to maximize nutritional input from fish and minimize toxic risk, we have
been studying the role of selenium (Se), which may influence Hg toxicity. Se is a trace essential
nutrient, yet deficit and excess in Se status are associated with health disorders. Se is ingested
through food, notably fish, mammals, eggs and certain nuts, whose content depends on soil Se
concentrations and plant accumulation. Recent studies with riverside populations of the Tapajós River
show highly variable and relatively elevated Se status, which varies among communities. The present
study was conducted in four communities of the Tapajós to evaluate Se sources in their typical diet
and to examine relations between food Se concentrations and geographic location, dietary habits,
local food production, and Se biomarkers. More than 650 food sources were sampled and 201
persons participated in the study. Plasma Se, blood Se, hair Se and urine Se were assessed. Food
frequencies, agricultural production and socio-demographic information were collected using an
interview-administered questionnaire. Se analyses were performed by ICP-MS. Some foods such as
eggs, meat, chicken, meat and game meat contained considerable levels of Se (0.2 - 1.4 microg/g),
while coconut, cacao, kale, sweet potatoes and yucca had medium levels (0.2 - 0.1 microg/g). Brazil
nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) contained very high levels of Se, from 12.1 to 62.6 microg/g. Geographical
variations of food Se concentrations produced in different communities were observed. Blood Se
levels presented a very large range (103 - 1500 microg/L) and participants consuming Brazil nuts on a
weekly or daily basis had the highest Se levels (558 - 1500 microg/L). In this population with relatively
high exposure to mercury, Se intake form local food may play an important role. Further studies will
examine toxic effects of Se on human health.
1.P26
STUDY OF BIOAVAILABILITY AND TOXICITY OF ARSENIC AND MERCURY IN CHINESE
PROPRIETY MEDICINES (CPM) USING AN ANIMAL MODEL
Ujang Tinggi 1, Ross Sadler 1, Barry Noller 2, Alan Seawright 2, Jack Ng 2, Michael Moore 3, Kelli
Cooper 4, Garry Golding 1, Henry Olszowy 1, and Pieter Scheelings 1
1
Queensland Health Scientific Services (Brisbane, Australia); 2 University of Queensland (Brisbane,
Australia); 3 Univesity of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia); 4 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
(Melbourne, Australia)
Even though the Chinese propriety medicines (CPM) are widely used in many countries, there is a
concern that they may cause adverse health effects from metal contaminants such as mercury (Hg)
and arsenic (As). There has been little information on the study of metal bioavailability from CPM. The
aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability and toxic effects of As and Hg from CPM after
short-term exposure using an animal model. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (24 rats, approx. 200 g, 6-7
weeks old) were used for this study. The rats were divided into 6 groups with 4 rats in each group.
The four control (reference) groups were given sodium arsenate (NaAsO2), arsenic sulphide (As2S3),
mercuric chloride (HgCl2), and mercuric sulphide (HgS), respectively. The other two groups were
given CPM which were found to contain high As and Hg (Liu Shen Wan: arsenic 8.8% and mercury
1.5%; Niuhang Jie du Pian: As 6.5% and Hg <1.0 mg/kg). At the beginning of the experiment all rats
were given a single dose by oral gavage containing As or Hg at 5mg/kg/body weight. Samples of
urine and faeces were collected every 24 hours for 9 days. After 9 days, the rats were killed and
samples of liver and kidney were collected for analysis and histological assay. The results indicated
that relatively high levels of arsenic from CPM were retained in liver and kidney, but only low levels of
mercury were found in these tissues. The levels of arsenic from CPM were consistent with the levels
from the arsenic sulphide treated group. With the exception of the mercuric chloride group, the levels
of Hg in urine from other groups were very low. The elimination of As and Hg from the rat body
tissues after CPM treatment will further be confirmed with the analysis of As and Hg in rat faecal
samples. Histopathological examination of kidney and liver tissues did not show toxic effects from
CPM.
1.P27
IRON BIOAVAILABILITY FROM GRASSHOPPERS: EDIBLE INSECTS VS SPINACH LEAVES
Virginia Melo 1, Jose Salas 1, Joel Reyes 1, Ma. Del Carmen Herrera 2, and Jorge Rivero 3
1
UAM-X (Mexico, Mexico); 2 UAM-I (Mexico, Mexico); 3 UNAM-CCH-ORIENTE (Mexico, Mexico)
Iron deficiency anemia is still a major nutritional problem in vulnerable population groups in the world,
because it can lead to negative changes in psychomotor and mental development, which may be
irreversible. Animal food provide heme iron ready to be absorb, non heme iron from plant sources is
much less absorbable. Iron absorption is influenced by the dietary content, bioavailability of dietary
and amount of iron stored in the body. Non heme and heme iron are absorbed from the diet by
different mechanisms. Non heme iron from spinach plant are in the inorganic form as salts not
solubilized, inhibited by phytates, polyphenols and tannins among others and can be immobilized
when bound up with other molecules. Heme iron from grasshoppers edible insect are in organic form,
bind up with amino acids or proteins and without electronic charge. This study was conducted to
determine properties of heme and non heme iron from grasshoppers edible insects and spinach plant
both obtained from the same environment on January 2007. Iron content in ash samples of
grasshoppers Sphenarium purpurascens Ch., and spinach leaves were performed by atomic
absorption spectrophotometry. Results were for grasshoppers 5.50mg/100g and spinach leaves
4.40mg/100g. In heme iron from animal sources, the molecule is bound within the porphyrin ring
structure, is soluble in an alkaline environment, so no binding proteins are needed for its luminal
absorption. Non heme iron in the lumen of the gut has variable solubility depending of the iron binding
compounds. There are two fundamental regulators of the amount of iron absorbed by humans. The
total amount and form of iron compounds ingested, reflects the physio-chemical properties of the diet
and the iron status of the individual. Spinach leaves content less amount of iron than grasshoppers,
and in a regular diet, non hemeiron is absorbed at 5% to 10% efficiency and heme iron at nearly 40%.
1.P28
THE ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF COW'S MILK OF MOSCOW REGION
Svetlana P. Zamana, Victor N. Kutrovsky, and Taras G. Fedorowskiy
Scientific Research Agricultural Institute of Central Regions of Non-chernozem Zone
(Nemchinovka,Moscow region, Russian Federation)
The element composition (25 elements) of milk of Black Motley cows from the Moscow region has
been studied by ICP – AES and ICP – MS methods. The average levels of essential and toxic
chemical elements in cows milk are found to be as follows (mg\kg): К (1161) > Ca (1041) > Na (1025)
> P (708) > Mg (109) > Zn (2.95) > Si (0.56) > Sr (0.51) >Fe (0.35) > B (0.17) > Al (0,09) > J (0.074) >
Cr (0.048) > Cu (0.045) > Ni (0.045) > Se (0.039) > Mn (0.015) >V (0.013) > Li (0.012) > As (0.006) >
Sn (0.003) > Co (0.002) > Pb (0.0015) > Hg (0.0005) > Cd (0.002). It is shown that the element
composition of milk changes depending on type of feeding and biogeochemical features of facilities
territory.
1.P29
ARSENIC EXCRETION IN HEALTHY, NON-SMOKING ADULT NORWEGIANS: A RANDOMISED
CONTROLLED SEAFOOD DIET TRIAL
Marianne Molin 1, Vibeke Telle-Hansen 1, Lisbeth Dahl 2, Stine Marie Ulven 1, Marianne Holck 1, Grete
Skjegstad 1, Oddlaug Ledsaak 1, Jens Sloth 2, Arne Oshaug 1, Kåre Julshamn 2, and Helle Margrete
Meltzer 3
1
Akershus University College (Lillestrom, Norway); 2 National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood
Research (NIFES) (Bergen, Norway); 3 Norwegian Institute of Public health (Oslo, Norway)
Norwegian adults are exposed to arsenic (As) mainly through seafood, mostly present in the nontoxic, organic arsenobetaine form. In order to assess the toxicological impact of As intake from
seafood on human health, specified data on exposure and excretion of As species are required. The
purpose of this study was to investigate whether the ratio between total As (tAs) and inorganic As
(iAs) species in the urine after consuming a single As-rich meal with selected seafood reflects the
ratio in the consumed diet, and to examine how rapidly tAs is cleared from urine and blood plasma.
Thirty-eight (28 women, 10 men) healthy, non-smoking Norwegians aged 20-40 years were included
in the controlled diet trial and randomised into four groups. After a 7-day run-in period where the
subjects refrained from food items high in As (seafood, mushrooms, rice/rice products and dietary
supplements), each group consumed an As-rich meal containing either 150 grams of cod (754 µg tAs,
< 5 µg iAs), blue mussel (632 µg tAs, 14 µg iAs), salmon (167 µg tAs, <5 µg iAs) or potato (control) (<
5 µg tAs, < 5 µg iAs). All urine was collected for 72 h after ingestion of meal and for this period the
participants were given an equally, strictly controlled diet low in As (13 µg tAs on day 0, 87 µg tAs on
day 1 and 18 µg tAs on day 2, total 118 µg tAs day 0-2). Urinary tAs excreted in urine during 72 h
after meal were for the cod group 561 ±87 µg tAs, the blue mussel group 328 ± 47 µg tAs the salmon
group 161 ± 30 µg tAs and the control group 49 ± 13 µg tAs. Pending the results from the analysis,
conclusions would be presented at the conference.
1.P30
INFLUENCE OF PROBIOTICS PREPARATIONS ON AN EXCHANGE OF HEAVY METALS
Sergei Miroshnikov, Olga Kvan, Anatolii Skalny, Svyatoslav Lebedev, and Shamil Rahmatullin
Orenburg State University (Orenburg, Russian Federation)
We studied the action of probiotics preparations on the exchange toxic an elements in an organism of
birds, “Lomann-Braun”. During the 21 to 33 week of life, hens were fed in structure of a diet culture
Bacillus subtilis at the rate of 10.0 ml/kg fodder (St. registration MH Russian Federation Р
№000792/01-2001 from 01.11.2001) and Bifidobacterium longum, in a dose of 0.7 ml/kg fodder (St.
registration MH the Russian Federation №77.99.11.3.U.5249.10.04 and №77.99.11.3.U.5246.10.04
with inclusion Federal register BAD). It is defined by specific features of microorganisms. The
estimation of biosubstrata (a fabric of a body, an egg) birds on the maintenance chemical elements
was carried out by methods ISP-AES and ISP-MS. For the period of experience in aggregate fabrics
of a body and the made egg at summer residence Bifidobacterium longum, it was in a quantitative
sense expressed in the smaller contents toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Ag, Srб Al) - - 0.31 mmol/head,
sporobacterin promoted a greater output with production - - 0.25mmol/head. Bifidobacterium longum
promoted decrease in the maintenance in fabrics of a body a bird of silver on 7.7 % (Р<0,001),
strontium on 22.7% (Р<0.05), cadmium on 31.7% (Р<0.01), lead in 2.05 times (Р<0.001), concerning
control group. Use in feeding hens Bacillus subtilis has led to increase in a level in a body aluminium
in 3.3 times (Р<0,001), silver on 38.5 % (Р<0.01) and strontium on 7.2%, concerning the control. The
increase in the maintenance of lead of 7.3% in II skilled group, rather the I skilled, was statistically in
authenticity. Research shows that probiotic preparations are capable of correcting mineral imbalance
in an species of animal, however the given action is defined by specific features of microorganisms.
1.P31
INFLUENCE OF THE FERMENTAL PREPARATION ON THE ELEMENT STATUS OF CARP IN
CONDITIONS OF VARIOUS NUTRITION SECURITY
Elena Miroshnikova, Anatolii Skalny, and Aleksandr Barabash
Orenburg State University (Orenburg, Russian Federation)
In conditions of pools investigated, the element status of carp (n = 30, m = 20-30) at inclusion in a diet
of fermental preparation (Amylosubtilin) over a background of the various maintenance in a diet of
starch: 5-7; 12-14; 24-26; 36-38 and 48-50%. Changes in starch was accomplished through additional
introduction of wheat grain. The estimation of element structure of biosubstrata of a carp was made
after 90-daily experiment AEM and MSM. Use of fermental preparation Amylosubtilin G3x in feeding a
carp is interfaced to selective change of structure of chemical elements in a body of a fish that is
expressed in decrease in weight of chrome on 28-44% and increase in the maintenance of iodine 18-52, silicon - 19-35 %. Thus presence of a preparation at a diet is interfaced to increase in need of
a fish in copper and cobalt, in conditions of decrease in need for zinc. Influence of a fermental
preparation on the element status of a carp is interfaced to changes of specificity of interelement
interactions in an organism that is expressed in more than 3 multiple decrease in number of authentic
negative correlation communications between weights of separate elements. Thus the most
expressed is action Amylosubtilin G3x on interaction of lead with exchanges of other elements, in
particular, easing of the Pb-Ca antagonism. At the same time takes place displays of new
interrelations of strontium with phosphorus (r = 0.97), cobalt (r = 0.99), manganese (r = 0.95) and
nickel (r = 0.97).
1.P32
MINERAL STATUS OF ENERGY ENTERPRISE WORKERS: RESULTS OF CORRECTION
Oksana Baranova, Svetlana Notova, Anatolii Skalny, and Larisa Chadova
Orenburg State University (Orenburg, Russian Federation)
Unfavorable factors of a technological character influence the element status of people who work at
unhealthy trade or live near industrial enterprises. So we have studied the element status of 122
people, aged from 18 to 60, working at joint-stock company “Orenburg energy”. Their industrial work
record is from 5 to 30 years and these people are in touch with unhealthy trade factors. We estimated
their element status by studying chemical composition of their hair. We defined the content of macroand trace elements in biosubstrate by atom and emission and mass-spectronomy with inductively
connected argon plasma. We used the method of system diagnostics for the correction of workers
element status. This method is based on using the preparations which have the bioelements (Bio-Zn,
Bio-Mg, Bio-I, etc) under individual prescription and in accordance with the results of the hair
multielement analysis. The received data enables us to speak about positive effect of corrective
measures regarding some chemical elements. Correction regarding Si (from 54±3.8 to 25.6±2.1
mg/kg, p<0,05) and As (from 0.06±0.006 to 0.05±0.005 mg/kg, p<0.05) index of exchange had the
most evident influence. Fe (from 37.1±2.5 to 31.3±3.8 mg/kg, p<0.05) and Li (from 0.03±0.002 to
0.026±0.004 mg/kg, p<0.05) concentration reduced considerably. We have positively regarded this
fact as an attempt to normalize the Fe content in an organism. Mg and P levels reduced and Ca level
increased in hair, so we assume that mineral exchange can possibly be normalized as a result of a
correction course. A tendency of K and Na to increase can probably be evident of metabolic
processes and homeostasis damage (e.g. increase of insulin level in blood). Workers in fuel and
energy complexes (FEC) are exposed to these factors. Hg (from 0.93±0.09 to 0.68±0.08 mg/kg,
p<0.05) and Pb (from 1.40±0.41 to 1.30±0.35 mg/kg) levels reduction is another positive normalizing
effect.
1.P33
TRACE ELEMENT STATUS OF A BRAZILIAN ALTERNATIVE FOOD
Elisabete De Nadai Fernandes 1, Peter Bode 2, Claudio Gonzaga 3, Clara Brandao 4, Marcio Bacchi 3,
and Siu Mui Tsai 3
1
Nuclear Energy Center for Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo (Piracicaba, Brazil); 2 Delft University
of Technology (Delft, Netherlands); 3 Nuclear Energy Center for Agriculture (Piracicaba, Brazil); 4
Ministry of Health (Brasilia, Brazil)
The Brazilian Satellite Centre to Trace Element- Institute for UNESCO was created in Brazil in 2004
focusing at the common needs of the countries in Latin America, the most unequal region in the
world. Inequality and poverty has been along decades the region's main challenges. According to the
World Bank, nearly 25% of the population of over 550 million inhabitants lives on less than 2 USD a
day suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Brazil is by far the largest country of Latin America, both
in area and population, and the fifth with highest population in the world (186,405,000). Since good
nutrition is essential key for achieving the Millennium Development Goals for having good health and
high quality of living, governmental and private sectors are finding ways to overcome the serious
difficulties related to food security and malnutrition. The Brazilian Child Pastorate is an important nongovernmental organization devoted to health, nutrition and children education, since antenatal to six
years of age. It operates in 33,000 communities distributed in 3500 municipalities and rural areas
serving over 2 million children and 150,000 pregnant women. Families learn how to prepare nutritious
meals with low-cost ingredients locally available. The so called multimistura is a low cost, fast food
preparation alternative satisfying local taste preferences, based on non-conventional
ingredients/foods and/or agroindustrial by-products rich in different nutrients. This in Brazil already
successful approach to fight malnutrition has been implemented in other 15 developing countries
around the world. This study intended to evaluate the nutritional trace element status of the
multimistura for which some components of this alternative food namely rice and wheat bran and flour
and cassava leaves were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The analytical data
was statistically treated and the results discussed in terms of nutritional quality.
1.P34
ROLE OF SELENIUM PHYSIOLOGY IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF MERCURY
TOXICITY
Nicholas Ralston, and Laura Raymond
University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, USA)
High level mercury (Hg) exposure can harm fetal neurodevelopment, but consequences depend on
molar ratios of Hg to selenium (Se). Selenium is required for enzyme (Se-enzyme) activities that
protect against oxidative damage in brain and other tissues. High binding affinities between Hg and
Se (1045) result in sequestration of intracellular Se, preventing synthesis of Se-enzymes that are
active in detoxification of oxygen radicals. Therefore, it is not suprising that oxidative damage is a
major consequence of Hg toxicity. Supplemental Se replaces Se lost to Hg binding, thus maintaining
Se-enzyme synthesis. Maternal consumption of foods that contain Hg in excess of Se is harmful, but
consumption of similar amounts of Hg in foods with Se in molar excess of Hg has not been associated
with harmful effects. Maternal consumption of pilot whale meat (Hg:Se ratio 4:1) harmed children in
the Faroes, but eating ocean fish meats (average Hg:Se ratio 0.1:1) was not associated with adverse
effects in the Seychelles, even though total Hg exposures were greater. Rat studies employing diets
that reflect low to toxic methylmercury (MeHg) exposures were studied in the presence of dietary Se
at low, normal, or rich levels. Resistance to MeHg toxicity was directly proportional to dietary Se.
MeHg exposures that were lethal to rats fed low-Se diets were harmless to rats fed Se at levels
slightly less than the average Se concentration present in ocean fish. These studies find blood Hg
reflects MeHg exposure, but blood Hg:Se molar ratios provide better criteria for recognizing risk of
MeHg toxicity (r2= 0.96, p<0.00001). Ocean fish are generally rich in Se, but availability of Se varies
dramatically in fresh water fish Se. Thus, Hg levels that are safe in fresh water fish from areas with
normal or rich Se may constitute Hg toxicity risks in areas where Se availability is poor. Poor Se
availability may exacerbate Hg accumulation and toxicity in "Hg-hotspot" regions of the Northeastern
U.S.
1.P35
MANGANESE STATUS IN FREE RANGING EUROPEAN BISONS FROM BIALOWIEZA
PRIMEVAL FOREST
Tadeusz Kosla, Ewa Magorzata Skibniewska, Aleksandra Marczak, Micha Skibniewski, and Grayna
Urbaρska-Somka
Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW (Warsaw, Poland)
The manganese status in the liver, kidney, muscle, hair, and hoof of European bisons free-ranging in
the Białowieża forest was determined (total of 120 samples). The material for analyses was obtained
in the winter of 2002 from animals eliminated by annual culling. The material originated from 20
European bisons aged from 5 months to 5 years. Animals were grouped according to sex (males vs.
females) and age (calved up to one year of age vs. animals aged over two years). The manganese
content in the samples of tissues and organs (except hoof) was determined using the Inductively
Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry method with the apparatus Jobin – Yvon/France,
type I – Y 70+ in the accredited laboratory. In the hoof samples the content of manganese was
determined using the method ICP – MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) in the
same laboratory. The obtained results were analyzed statistically with the programme Statistica™ 5.0
anova module. No statistically significant differences in the manganese content were observed
depending on the sex and age of animals. The mean manganese content in the tissues and organs of
European bisons (n=20; mg/kg fresh tissue) was as follows: liver, 10±1.2; kidney, 4.5±1.2; rib, below
detection limit (< 1 ppm Mn); muscle, 2.3±0.4; hair, 15.2±4.3; hoof (dry matter), 3.0±2.2.
1.S01
ORAL ALUMINUM BIOAVAILABILITY FROM REPRESENTATIVE FOODS SHOWS FOOD
PROVIDES MUCH MORE AL TO SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION, AND POTENTIAL AL BODY
BURDEN, THAN DOES DRINKING WATER
Robert Yokel (1, 2), and Rebecca Florence 2
1
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (Lexington, USA); 2 University of Kentucky Graduate
Center for Toxicology (Lexington, USA)
Oral Al bioavailability from water has been estimated, but Al bioavailability from food, which provides
~ 95% of daily Al intake for most people, has not been well described. The overall objective is to
determine oral Al bioavailability from representative foods, compared to water. Foods containing the
most Al are baking powder, creamers, salt, grain products, pizza cheese and tea. Two foods
containing an FDA-approved Al food additive, a vegetable (spinach), and tea beverage were
compared to water. Processed cheese was prepared containing basic sodium Al phosphate (SALP)
and the tracer 26Al (Nucl. Instr. Meth. Physics Res. B. 229:471-478, 2005). Male Fisher rats were
trained to eat 1 gm of cheese when they had no stomach contents. They then consumed cheese
containing 26Al-SALP (~ 1 to 2 nCi 26Al/gm food) while receiving 27Al by i.v. infusion. Blood was
withdrawn before and repeatedly up to 60 hr after dosing for 26Al quantification by AMS and 27Al by
ETAAS, to determine the area under the [Al] x time curve (AUC) of each. Oral 26Al bioavailability was
determined as the sum of the trapezoidal (AUCpo/AUCiv) x (doseiv/dosepo). Oral Al bioavailability
from cheese containing 1.5 or 3% basic 26Al-SALP was ~ 0.1 and 0.3%, respectively, which were
significantly different. The Cmax of Al was significantly greater than from water or biscuit containing
acidic SALP and the Tmax significantly greater than from biscuit containing acidic SALP, but
significantly less than from water, using the same methods(Toxicology, 161:93-101, 2001 and 227,8693, 2006). Considering 1) the relative oral bioavailability of Al from cheese containing basic SALP and
biscuit containing 1 or 2% acidic 26Al-SALP (~ 0.11 and 0.13%), compared to water (~ 0.3%) and 2)
the contribution of food and drinking water to the typical human’s daily Al intake (~ 95 and 1.5%,
respectively), these results suggest food provides much more Al that reaches systemic circulation,
and potentially target organs such as the brain, than does water. Supported by NIH R01 ES11305.
1.S02
BORON IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN POPULATION OF SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA
Neil Ward 1, and Andrea Marcilla 2
1
Univesrity of Surrey (Guildford, United Kingdom); 2 University of Surrey (Guildford, United Kingdom)
In 2005, water, river sediments, soils, aquatic plants, sweet corn and human scalp hair samples were
collected from the San José de Jachal region of San Juan, Argentina, and boron levels determined by
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Comparative data from a control population were
obtained from the Rio Negro Valley region of northern Patagonia, Argentina. Filtered surface water
samples (n = 51) from the Rio Blanco, Presa Cuesta del Viento, Rio Jachal, Agua Negra, Rio Huaco
and irrigation channels of the agricultural La Pampa San José de Jachal region had boron levels
ranging from 2.43 to 7.24 mg/l compared with Rio Negro (n = 15) 0.06 to 0.14 mg/l. The
corresponding river sediment levels were San José de Jachal (36.4 to 104.9 mg/kg B) and Rio Negro
(0.48 to 2.45 mg/kg B). In San José de Jachal the highest levels occurred in the upper Rio Blanco, the
Rio Huaco, Agua Negra and in the area of Niquivil (Rio Jachal). Boron concentrations in aquatic reed
plant material ranged from 45.7 to 189.2 mg/kg (San José de Jachal) and 6.5 to 28.1 mg/kg (Rio
Negro). Concentrations in surface soils ranged from 28 to 590 mg/kg (San José de Jachal) and 3.8 to
34.3 mg/kg B (Rio Negro). Corn leaf material from San José de Jachal (0.9 to 24.3 mg/kg B) showed
considerable variability. Angualasto showed a difference between plants irrigated by water from the
Rio Blanco (0.9 to 8.7 mg/kg) compared with ground water (0.15 to 0.72 mg/kg). Rio Negro values
were 0.08 to 1.64 mg/kg B. The respective sweet corn kernel levels were 0.09 to 1.14 mg/kg (San
José de Jachal) and 0.04 to 0.13 mg/kg B (Rio Negro). Finally, unwashed human scalp hair samples
were collected from both regions. Sixteen individuals from Niquivil had a mean (standard deviation) of
8.33 (3.54) mg/kb B. In Huaco 13 cases had values of 7.78 (3.21) mg/kg B. Dependencies of the
determined concentrations in each matrix on specific causal factors are discussed.
1.S03
FOOD-BASED STRATEGIES IMPROVE IRON STATUS IN 12-20 MONTH OLD NEW ZEALAND
CHILDREN: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Ewa Szymlek-Gay, Anne-Louise Heath, Elaine Ferguson, Andrew Gray , and Rosalind Gibson
University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand)
We evaluated the efficacy of an increased intake of red meat or the use of an iron-fortified milk for
improving the iron status of healthy non-anaemic 12-20 month old New Zealand children. In a 20week partial double-blind randomised placebo-controlled intervention trial, 225 children were assigned
to one of three groups: Meat (n=90), Fortified Milk (n=45), or Placebo (n=90). The Meat group was
encouraged to consume ~2.6 mg of iron from red meat dishes per day. The Fortified Milk and Placebo
groups replaced their regular milk with iron-fortified cow’s milk (1.51 mg iron/100 g prepared milk), or
non-fortified cow’s milk (0.02 mg iron/100 g prepared milk), respectively. Non-fasting venipuncture
blood samples were collected at baseline and 20 weeks for haemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum
transferrin receptor, and C-reactive protein determination. Over 20 weeks, adjusted geometric mean
serum ferritin concentration increased by 44% (95% CI 14%, 82%) in the Fortified Milk group
(P=0.002), tended to decrease in the Placebo group (14% decrease (95% CI -27%, 1%); P=0.063),
and did not change in the Meat group (10% increase (95% CI -7%, 30%); P=0.241). At 20 weeks,
serum ferritin concentration was 68% (95% CI 27%, 124%; P<0.001) greater in the Fortified Milk
group than in the Placebo group, and 29% (95% CI 2%, 63%; P=0.033) greater in the Meat group
than in the Placebo group. There were no intervention effects on haemoglobin or serum transferrin
receptor concentration. Both food-based strategies are likely to prevent the decline in body iron stores
that can occur during the second year of life. Only the fortified milk intervention increased iron stores,
which is in line with the Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference Value requirement that iron
stores should be increasing in this age group. (Supported by Health Research Council of New
Zealand, Meat and Livestock Australia, Meat and Wool New Zealand, University of Otago.)
1.S04
BIOAVAILABILITY OF SELENIUM IN BRAZIL NUTS
Christine Thomson, and Alexandra Chisholm
University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Higher than recommended dietary intakes of selenium (Se) may confer health benefits. Brazil nuts are
a rich natural source of Se, yet its bioavailability from this source has not been investigated in
humans. The aim was to assess the efficacy of Brazil nuts in increasing Se status, in comparison to
selenomethionine and placebo. A semi-blinded, placebo controlled trial was conducted with 56
healthy adults (18-60 yr) with low Se status, who consumed two Brazil nuts containing an estimated
100µg Se, 100µg Se as selenomethionine (SeMet), or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Because of the
variability in Se concentrations in Brazil nuts, the actual intake from nuts averaged 54 µg/day
(possible range, 20-100 µg). Plasma Se, plasma and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
activities were determined in fasting blood samples at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and effects of
treatments compared. Mean (SD) baseline plasma Se concentrations were 90 (13), 92 (14), 89 (14)
µg/L in Brazil nut, SeMet and Placebo groups, respectively. Plasma Se increased by 68%, 73%,
6.9%, whole blood GPx by 12.6%, 6.4%, 1.4%, and plasma GPx by -4.0%, 12.1%, 6.4% in the three
groups. The change over time in plasma Se (p<0.0001) and plasma GPx activity (p<0.001) in Brazil
nut and SeMet groups differed significantly from Placebo group, but not from each other (p=0.165).
The change in whole blood GPx activity was greater in Brazil nut than Placebo group (p<0.001), and
SeMet groups although the latter was not significant (p=0.087). Daily consumption of two Brazil nuts
is at least as effective for increasing Se status and enhancing GPx activity, as 100 µg Se as
selenomethionine, in spite of lower Se intake from nuts. Therefore, Se from Brazil nuts may be more
bioavailable than selenomethionine. Brazil nuts are a convenient source of Se; consumption of this
high-Se food would avoid the need for fortification or supplements to improve Se status of New
Zealanders.
1.S05
MOLYBDENUM CONTENT IN INFANT FORMULAS FROM NORTH AMERICA
James Friel, Haifeng Yang, Rossel Sabourin, and Apollo Tsopmo
University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada)
Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element that is required by xanthine oxidase, aldehyde
oxidase and sulphite oxidase. The Mo content of human milk (HM) declines during the first 12 weeks
of gestation from 5 to 1 ug/L. There is evidence that the content of Mo in HM may be regulated
homeostatically. Presently, the Mo content of infant formulas (F) is not standardized by either statute
or manufacturing practice. Therefore, our goal was to analyze formula reflecting manufacturing
locations across Canada (Winnipeg) and the United States (Baltimore, Grand Forks, and Seattle).
Powders were wet ashed using Parr Microwave Digestion bombs. Using furnace Varian AAS with
certified reference milk powders (NIST Whole Milk (0.29±0.13 ug/L) and NIST Non-Fat Milk Powders
(0.34 ug/L) falling in the normal range, our analysis of F from Canada indicated Mo concentrations
(ug/L, mean + SD (range)) of 36 + 14 (17-64); Baltimore, 43 + 14 (20–67); Grand Forks, 25 + 17 (776); Seattle (in progress) vs 5 (2-23) in HM; Mo is a natural constituent of protein such that variable
concentrations among F probably reflected differences in protein sources. The AI reflects Mo intake of
infants fed HM and is: 0-6 months, 2 ug/day, (0.3 ug/kg/day); 7-12 months, 3 ug/day, (0.3 ug/kg/d).
Mo UL for infants is not determinable because of insufficient data although concern has been
expressed about the infant’s ability to handle excess MO. Because our findings indicate higher
concentrations of Mo in F than in HM, further research is needed to determine whether or not the
forms of Mo are of comparable bioavailability and whether higher content is an issue of concern.
Supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Manitoba Institute of Child Health.
1.S06
TRACE METAL ABUNDANCE SOIL AND GRASS IN ICELAND: LINKS WITH SHEEP SCRAPIE
K. Vala Ragnarsdottir, and Darren J. Hawkins
University of Bristol (Bristol, United Kingdom)
Recurrent outbreaks of scrapiein Iceland occur despite intense study into this incurable and fatal prion
disease. There are many, often disputed, theories as to the cause of scrapie even though
understanding of prion biology is increasing. Trace metals have an important role in the biology of
prion disease, and a possible link with levels of minerals, such as Cu, Mn and Zn, in the farm
environment is tantalising. This study found that the pH of Icelandic soils was significantly higher on
scrapie-prone farms. Conversely, soil OM was significantly lower on scrapie-prone farms. It was found
that trace element concentrations differed between the categories of farms, with total soil Cu, Mn and
Zn higher, and total-S lower, on scrapie-prone Icelandic farms. These properties may impact on the
health of sheep on these farms, through either increases to the trace metal content of dietary
herbage, or increased intake of metals through inadvertent soil ingestion. It was demonstrated that
other (non-scrapie) factors have significant influence on the trace metal content of Icelandic soils.
Levels of OM and pH of soils showed significant correlation with the trace metal content of soils from
Icelandic farms. The pH and total-Fe content of cultivated soils were significantly lower than those
from uncultivated pastures in Iceland. Conversely, OM and total-S concentrations were significantly
higher in cultivated soils. Additionally, total soil-S levels were significantly higher from wetland
habitats: demonstrating the complex nature of soil chemistry and highlighting the difficulty of assigning
causal factors to variations in trace metal abundance on scrapie-prone Icelandic farms. Correlation
analysis identified high soil-pH and low OM content as major factors influencing the low Zn content of
Icelandic grass from scrapie-prone farms. These two parameters could therefore be considered risk
factors for scrapie.
1.S07
BIOACCESSIBILITY OF ZINC IN WHOLE EGGS BY CONTINUOUS-FLOW DIALYSIS METHOD
Hatairat Plaimast (1, 2), Prapaisri Sirichakwal 1, Prapasri Puwastien 1, Emorn Wasantwisut 1, Kunchit
Judprasong 2, and Suwanna Kijparkorn 2
1
Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University (Nakhon Pathom, Thailand); 2 Faculty of Veterinary Science,
Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
Zinc is an essential trace element which has recently received increasing attention among other
micronutrients because of their importance in child growth and development as well as immune
system. Zinc is widely available in various foods but its bioavailability is highly variable. The good
absorbable zinc sources are animal products which may be too expensive or not available for some
groups of population. Therefore, hen’s egg, an inexpensive common food with concentrated nutrients,
could be a potential food source to improve zinc nutrition. Increasing zinc content in eggs was
conducted by fortifying laying hen diets using both inorganic (zinc sulfate) and organic forms (zinc
amino acid chelate). Fortifying levels of zinc from 300 to 1800 ug/g in the diet produced eggs with
suboptimal and optimal levels of zinc content, about 15 and 18 ug/g. In this study, the bioavailability of
zinc in the fortified eggs at suboptimal and optimal levels were evaluated by continuous-flow dialysis
method. It was found that the dialyzed zinc in the zinc amino acid chelate eggs, which contained 14.8
and 17.3 ug Zn/g, were 79.1 and 78.5% of total zinc, respectively. They were slightly higher than the
levels of the zinc sulfate fortified eggs, 71.8 and 74.1% of total zinc, respectively, which contained
15.0 and 18.2 ug Zn/g. The zinc bioavailability of the controlled eggs (without zinc fortification)
containing 11.5 ug Zn/g, was 83.6% of total zinc. Based on the actual values of total zinc content in
the eggs and their bioavailabilities, the available zinc in the studied eggs were not significant different
at the same levels of fortified zinc regardless their chemical forms. They were 11.7 and 10.8 ug/g for
suboptimal levels and 13.6 and 13.4 ug/g of optimal levels of zinc in the fortified eggs. Therefore, the
fortified eggs with both organic and inorganic forms with the highest available zinc were selected for
further study.
1.S08
ANALYTICAL DATA ON IRANIAN TYPICAL DIETS AND ITS BIOAVAILABILITY ASPECT BY
TRACE ELEMENTAL STUDY IN DAILY DIETS
Ahmad Gharib
Amir kabir Univ. (Tehran, Iran, Islamic Rep. of)
In this article, some of the main aspects of a comprehensive study on trace elemental content of a few
typical daily diets of Iranians are discussed. The interrelation of 137Cs and a few more similar and
radiological functioning elements such as Sr, Rb, I, K, Mg and Ca with themselves and others (e.g.,
essentials and toxicologicals) are discussed. A part of this work is about the measurement of the
natural relevant elements to their appropriate radioelements measured in daily diets of a few study
groups. Their likely interrelation and interaction among their own or with other groups of trace
elements are to be discussed based on data obtained via daily diets of above mentioned trace
elements. Nevertheless the protection role of these trace metals in human organs and general
interrelation among the trace elements are the main issue of this paper. The matter regarding the
origin of natural cesium and its radioactive fall out is to be discussed. The effect of 137Cs and other
radio-nuclides of the foodstuff depend upon direct exposure or via the mineral and organic species of
radio-nuclides in the soil and environment to be transferred to nutritive species which are consumed.
In this paper, the toxic trace elements and their interrelation with nutritional / essential and radiological
elements was taken into consideration. However, the actual study groups are Iranian and their daily
diets were prepared through dietary recording and duplicate portion methods.
1.S09
INVESTIGATION OF CHROMIUM, COPPER, COBALT AND MOLYBDENUM IN SOME CEREALS
CONSUMED IN KENYA
Fredrick Oduor
University of Nairobi (Nairobi, Kenya)
A review was conducted on the role of cobalt, chromium, copper and molybdenum in human health. A
study was carried out to determine the levels of these elements in rice, maize and wheat flour
consumed in Kenya. Dry ashing and acid solubulization procedures were used to prepare the
samples. The samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model, Chemtech
Analytical 2000). Chromium in the samples had a range of 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg with a mean of 1.04, while
copper ranged between 1.50 and 9.72 mg/kg with a mean of 3.74. Molybdenum was not detected in
any of the samples. Cobalt was only detected in wheat flour (mean of 6.44 mg/kg). These values were
compared with the recommended daily allowances. Disclosure: The author is a member of Trace
Element Institute for UNESCO - Kenya Satelite Center which is aflliated to Trace Element Institute for
UNESCO (Lyon).
1.S10
THE DIETARY BORON INTAKE IN CHINA
Xiaowei Li, and Junquan Gao
National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(Beijing, China)
Boron is a trace mineral that is essential for plants. Boron may also be essential for humans and
animals. In 1999, dietary boron intake was researched in some countries; range is 1.1-2.1 mg/d for
males, but these were not Asian and Chinese dietary intakes data. Therefore, existing boron intake
data may not be representative if there are not boron dietary intake data from China (the largest
developing country in the world) to set up global RNI standard. For this reason, the dietary intake of
boron has been obtained in Chinese adult males using the 2000 Chinese Total Diet Study approach.
Average dietary intake of Boron in 12 Chinese provinces was 1.384 mg/d, range 0.891 mg/d-1.976
mg/d. Average dietary intakes of boron for adult males in Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Hebei, Henan,
Shaanxi, Ningxia, Shanghai, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guangxi provinces or city,
respectively, were 0.891 mg/d, 1.531 mg/d, 1.565 mg/d, 1.976 mg/d, 1.237 mg/d, 1.630 mg/d, 1.433
mg/d, 1.117 mg/d, 0.969 mg/d, 1.314 mg/d, 1.228 mg/d and 1.720 mg/d. Because available boron
level from soil in most parts of China is low, ranging from 0.25 mg/kg to 0.50 mg/kg, the dietary boron
intake of China is not higher than that of other countries. The main food sources of boron in the
Chinese diet were vegetables (32.2%), cereals (31.7%), fruits (14.8%) and legumes (13.2%).
1.S11
WOMEN’S ZINC ABSORPTION IS UNAFFECTED BY DIETARY CALCIUM, WITH OR WITHOUT
HIGH-PHYTATE FOODS
Janet Hunt 1, and Jeannemarie Beiseigel 2
1
USDA/ARS/GFHNRC (Grand Forks, USA); 2 General Mills (Minneapolis, USA)
While some have hypothesized that calcium increases the inhibitory effect of phytic acid on zinc
absorption by forming insoluble Ca-Zn-phytate complexes, others have suggested that calcium may
competitively bind phytic acid, reducing the phytic acid inhibition of zinc absorption. We tested the
influence of approximately 700 (LCa) or 1900 (HCa) mg/d dietary calcium with 440 (LP) or 1800 (HP)
mg/d phytic acid on zinc absorption in a 2x2 factorial design. Minerals were measured by ICAP and
phytic acid by the AOAC extraction and ion-exchange method. The weighed diets, consisting of
ordinary foods, contained ~11.5 mg Zn/d, with a phytate:Zn molar ratio of ~4 for LP and 15 for HP.
Zinc absorption from each of the four 1-day menus was determined with 10 healthy women by
extrinsically labeling the foods with 65Zn and measuring retention by whole body scintillation
counting. For each absorption measurement, individual differences in endogenous Zn excretion were
corrected for by extrapolating back to baseline along the linear portion of a 4-week semi-logarithmic
retention curve. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with Tukey’s pair-wise contrasts. Zinc absorption
from the LCaLP, LCaHP, HCaLP, and HCaHP diets, was 33, 27, 39, and 26% (pooled SD= 7.6), or
3.8, 3.0, 4.5, and 3.2 mg/d (pooled SD= 0.28), respectively. Phytic acid significantly decreased zinc
absorption (p<0.001), but calcium did not, nor did calcium significantly interact with phytic acid. We
conclude that calcium in the range normally consumed, even with calcium-fortified diets, does not
interfere with Zn absorption.
Category 2: Cancer
2.P01
TREATMENT OF ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA USING ZINC ADJUVANT WITH
CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION-A CASE HISTORY AND HYPOTHESIS
George Eby
George & Patsy Eby Foundation (Austin, USA)
Low blood levels of zinc are often noted in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), but zinc is not
administered as part of any modern chemotherapy program in the treatment of ALL. Upon noting low
blood levels of zinc in a 3-year-old 11.3 kg girl, zinc at the rate of 3.18 mg/kg body weight/day was
administered from the start of chemotherapy through the full 3 years of maintenance therapy. Dosage
was split with 18 mg given at breakfast and 18 mg zinc with supper. The result was a bone marrow
remission from 95+% blast cells to an observed zero blast cell count in both hips within the first 14
days of treatment which never relapsed. In addition to the reduction of blast cells to an observed
count of zero (not a single leukemic or normal blast), red blood cell production and other hemopoietic
functions returned to normal at a clinically remarkable rate. There were no side effects from zinc or
chemotherapy at any time, and zinc is hypothesized to have improved the patient's overall ability to
withstand toxic effects of chemotherapy. This report identifies zinc treatment as being vital to rapid
and permanent recovery from ALL. The extremely broad role of zinc in pre-leukemic adverse health
conditions, viral, fungal and tumoral immunity, hemopoietics, cell growth, division and differentiation,
genetics and chemotherapy interactions are considered. Identical results also occurred in 13 other
children with ALL whose parents chose to treat with zinc adjuvant. Since treatment with zinc and other
identified deficient nutrients, particularly magnesium, did not appear injurious in ALL and they appear
to be highly beneficial, controlled clinical studies of zinc (3.18 mg/kg body weight/day) with
magnesium (8.0 mg/kg body weight/day) as adjuvants to chemotherapy in the treatment of childhood
ALL are suggested. Treatment with zinc adjuvant is hypothesized to accelerate recovery from ALL,
and in conjunction with chemotherapy, cure ALL.
2.P02
EFFECT OF SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE SERUM LEVEL OF PROSTATE-SPECIFIC
ANTIGEN (PSA) IN HIGH PSA SUBJECTS
Hiroshi Koyama 1, Tetsuya Otani 1, Yoko Katsuya 1, Rizky Abdulah 1, Kenji Kobayashi 1, Kazuto Ito 2,
Kazuhiro Suzuki 2, and Masami Murakami 3
1
Department of Public Health, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan); 2
Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan); 3
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
(Maebashi, Japan)
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely used clinically for prostate cancer diagnostics and as an
indicator of therapeutic efficacy. In vitro studies showed that selenium inhibits human prostate cancer
cell growth and reduces androgen signaling and androgen receptor (AR)-mediated gene expression,
including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), in human prostate cancer cells. To assess the effect of
selenium supplementation on the changes of serum levels of PSA, 4 high PSA subjects and 6 low
PSA healthy controls were received a daily supplement with 200 mcg of selenium as a form of sodium
selenite. The subjects were recruited at the Department of Public Health, Gunma University Graduate
School of Medicine. Inclusion criteria for the high PSA subjects were PSA > 3.0 for 50-64 years, 3.5
for 65-69 years and 4.0 ng/ml for 70 years and more and histological or ultrasonographically free of
prostate cancer. Serum levels of PSA were assessed at baseline and after 1, 3, (4), and 6 months by
immunometry. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Gunma University School of
Medicine. The study is now still on going, however, we can see the tendency of decreasing of serum
PSA levels in the high PSA subjects and no change, at least not increasing, in serum PSA levels of
the low PSA healthy controls.
2.P03
SELECTED TRACE ELEMENTS AND CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN MALIGNANT,
HYPERTROPHIC, AND NORMAL PROSTATIC TISSUES
Adam Darago 1, Jan Taczalski 2, Andrzej Sapota 1, and Anna Kilanowicz 1
1
Medical University of Lodz (Lodz, Poland); 2 District Hospital (Zgierz, Poland)
The aim of the study was to determine Cd, Se, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Cu concentrations in prostatic
tissues: post mortem, hypertrophic, and neoplastic. Altogether 64 tissues were subjected to an
analysis: 15 without neoplastic changes (post mortem), 17 with hyperplasia, and 32 with diagnosed
prostatic adenocarcinoma. Neoplastic tissues were obtained from intraoperative segments. Prior to
the analysis, all tissues were examined pathomorphologically to confirm the diagnosis. Zn, Cu, Ca
and Mg concentrations were determined with the flame and Cd with flameless AAS method, whereas
Se with the spectrofluorimetric method. We have now extend our study to include the determination of
insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in blood
plasma. Based on our investigations, cadmium concentration was found to be decreased in about
22% of patients with prostatic hypertrophy and more than twice in those with prostatic cancer as
compared to the post mortem group. The highest Zn level was demonstrated in the subjects with
prostatic hypertrophy (over 100% increase in relation to the post mortem group), whereas in the group
with the diagnosed neoplasm it was lower by almost 50%. Higher Mg and Ca levels were found in
hypertrophic and lower in cancerous tissues, like in the case of zinc. Copper and selenium
concentrations were found to be higher in both patients with prostatic hypertrophy and those with
neoplasm as compared to the post mortem group. Also, our research showed positive correlation
between zinc and copper (R = 0.80) in the post mortem tissue; in the remaining tissues, the
correlation between these elements was significantly lower. The study was supported by the Grant
Ministry of Science and Higher Education (No. N405 015 31/0783).
2.P04
RISK ANALYSIS OF SELENIUM IN KOREAN HEALTH-FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Jong-Min Woo
Korea Food and Drug Adminstration (Seoul, Korea, Rép. of (South))
Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for the health of humans and animals but excessive Se intake
can bring about selenosis, which leads to hair or nail loss, and even a morphological change of the
nail. To determine the dietary risk of selenium exposure via food ingestion, samples of healthfunctional foods containing selenium were collected from food markets in Korea and the concentration
of selenium was found to range from 0.1 to 0.8 ppm. Intake data for agricultural foods or processed
foods were taken from the Korea National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) and
the nation’s sources of daily recommended doses, respectively. Human epidemiological data studied
by Yang et al. were used as a reliable toxic endpoint (0.015 mg/kg/day, NOAEL) and the uncertainty
factor of 3 was then applied for inter-individual variability. As a result, the ADI (acceptable daily intake)
of 5 ug/kg body weight for Se could be derived. From this study, selenium would not be harmful to
Korean people as long as they ingested the functional foods with the average daily intake of 0.002 to
1.407 ug/kg body weight. Even after taking into consideration the highest intake of 1.438 to 4.345
ug/kg body weight resulting from a maximal supplement intake plus other additional sources of food
intake, the hazard index (HI), which can be calculated by dividing the ratio of selenium concentration
by its reference concentration, did not exceed one. The findings of this study suggest that there are
not any groups of individuals with a high susceptibility to compromised health. However, if any
individual ingested multiple sources of foods containing Se simultaneously, his or her daily intake of
selenium is thereby increased to 5.463 ug/kg body weight, which exceeds the safety level. Therefore,
the implications of the findings of this risk assessment are such that an individual should not consume
multiple sources of selenium-containing foods concurrently but rather one at a time.
2.P05
DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, AND INVESTIGATION OF COPPER (II) COMPLEX OF 3-AMINOFLAVONE
(AF) WITH ANTICANCER ACTIVITY
Justyn Ochocki 1, Elzbieta Zyner 1, Andrea Erxleben 2, and Lukasz Glinka 1
1
Medical University (Lodz, Poland); 2 Chemistry Department (Galway, Ireland)
Flavanoids have attracted attention for a variety of biological activity including antitumor, antioxidative,
antiviral, antibacterial and antimutagenic. The novel potential anticancer agent cis Pt(II) complex of 3aminoflavone i.e. cis-[Pt(af)2Cl2] structurally related to cisplatin was found to prolong the survival time
of mice with lymphoid leukemia. Nowadays, studies are focused searching for novel potential
antitumor metal complexes with high anticancer activity, broader range of action and less toxic than
cisplatin. Since metal ions may be involved in the biological effect of the flavanoid system, we
synthesised a number of new coordination compounds with af ligand. To investigate the binding in
detail a crystal structure of a representative compound, viz. [Cu(af)2(NO3)2] has been determined.
The pronounced antiproliferative activity of the compound was assessed using cultured L 1210 cells
and compared to the reference compound cisplatin. It may be promising future anticancer drug.
Acknowledgment: Financial support by the Medical University of Lodz ( grant no. 502-13-339 and
grant no. 503-3016-2) is gratefully acknowledged.
2.P06
EFFECT OF FLUOXETINE ON TOLERANCE TO ANALGESIC EFFECT OF MORPHINE IN MICE
WITH SKIN CANCER
Alireza Mohajjel Nayebi 1, Hassan Rezazadeh 1, Yousef Parsa 1, and Mohamed Abdulla 2
1
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Tabriz, Iran, Islamic Rep. of); 2 Trace Element Institute for
UNESCO, International Center (Lyon, France)
Adjuvant drugs that can attenuate or inhibit the development of tolerance to morphine may lead to
improved management of pain in chronic disease such as cancer. Recently we have shown that 5HT1A receptors of dorsal raphe magnus are involved in tolerance to morphine analgesia. The aim of
this study is to investigate effect of fluoxetine, as a specific 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, on tolerance
induced to morphine analgesic effect in animal model of skin cancer. Study was carried on female
albino Swiss mice with skin cancer weighing 22-25g. Animals were kept in 12 h light/dark cycle and
had access to food freely. For skin tumorigenesis, mice were given Iron-dextran (1 mg/mice for 15
days), initiated with single dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by multiple
dose of croton oil. Tolerance to thermal acute pain was induced by daily s.c. injection of morphine
(5mg/kg for 30 days) and using hot plate method. Results obtained from this study show that pain
threshold in mice with skin cancer is significantly low than normal mice. In those mice which were cotreated daily with morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) and fluoxetine (0.16, 0.32 or 0.64 mg/kg, i.p.), delay in
development of tolerance was observed by fluoxetine at the dose of 0.64 mg/kg. Fluoxetine (0.64
mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the development of tolerance from day 20, for control group, to day 25. We
offer that the concurrent use of morphine with fluoxetine may produce good cancer pain control and
attenuate development of tolerance.
2.P07
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF CHROZOPHORA TINCTORA EXTRACT (METHANOL) ON FERRIC
NITRILOTRIACETATE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RAT KIDNEY TISSUE
Hassan Rezazadeh 1, Abbas Delazar 1, Alireza Mohajjel Nayebi 1, and Mohamed Abdulla 2
1
Tabriz university of medical sciences (Tabriz, Iran, Islamic Rep. of); 2 Trace Element Institute for
UNESCO, International Center (Lyon, France)
Intraperitoneal injection of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) to laboratory animals lead to oxidative
stress, lipid peroxidation (Lpo) and tissue injuries. However, our recent report indicates that
Chrozophora tinctoria (C. tinctoia) can inhibit oxidative stress, and delays tumor incidences in mice
skin. In this study we attempt to extract and evaluate the inhibitory effect of C. tinctoia on Fe-NTA
induced oxidative stress in rat kidney tissue. In order to analyze methanol extract of C. tinctoia the
reverse-phase HPLC technique was used. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were given orally different
doses of C. tinctoia (10, 20, 30 mg /kg) before and after Fe-NTA (9mg Fe/kg) treatment. Also groups
of animals received either C. tinctoia or Fe-NTA alone. All the animals were killed and the kidneys
were taken out. The biochemical estimation such as lipid peroxidation and [3H]thymidine uptake were
carried out on the kidney tissue. The obtained results indicate that C. tinctoia at the dose of 30 mg/kg
inhibits the Lpo induction and DNA synthesis-induced by Fe-NTA. Our data indicate that C. tinctoia is
more effective before Fe-NTA treatment. The results indicate that the inhibitory effect of C. tinctoia
may act through different mechanisms. Involvement of C. tinctoia in the diminishment of LPO and
[3H]thymidine uptake indicates that C. tinctoia may play an important role in scavanging the harmful
free radicals in rat kidney tissue.
2.P08
CLINICAL ELEMENTOLOGY IN ONCOLOGY: EXPERIENCES AND PROPOSALS FROM
GERMANY
Oliver Micke 1, Jens Büntzel 2, Frank Bruns 3, Michael Glatzel 4, Robert Hunger 5, Klaus Kisters 6, and
Ralph Mücke 7
1
Franziskus Hospotal (Bielefeld, Germany); 2 2Department of Otolaryngology, Südharz Hospital
(Nordhausen, Germany); 3 Medical School of Hannover (Hannover, Germany); 4 Department of
Radiotherapy, Central Hospital (Suhl, Germany); 5 German Working Group Trace Elements and
Electrolytes - AKTE (Chur, Switzerland); 6 Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anna Hospital (Herne,
Germany); 7 Department of Radiotherapy, St. Josefs Hospital (Wiesbaden, Germany)
Trace elements are of growing importance for clinical oncological disciplines. Nevertheless, they have
been broadly neglected so far. As indicated by Zaichik and Pollet (TEM 2007), a new scientific
discipline of “medical elementology” should be established: “We will hope that the new century, that
has just begun, will be the century of medical elementology”. With this background, our working group
AKTE has set itself the task of scientifically acquiring the significance of trace elements in oncology.
This should be the base of “Clinical Elementology”, which can be an important sub-discipline of
“Medical Elementolgy”. In the last 5 years, AKTE performed different preclinical and clinical studies
mainly on selenium, showing distinctive antitumorous, antiedematous and radioprotective features. In
particular, a prospective randomized observa-tion study evaluated, whether sodium selenite is able to
compensate selenium deficiency and prevent radiation induced diarrhea in pelvic radiotherapy. There
has been a statistically significant difference between the study groups towards a lower incidence of
diarrhea in week 5 with selenium supplementation. With a median follow up of 24 months the actuarial
5 year overall survival rate of patients with supplementation of selenium was 92.4% comparing to the
control group with 83.3%. The positive results of the studies lead us to the conclusion, that the
science of trace elements have to be integrated in the oncological sciences and the education and
training in theoretical and clinical oncological disciplines. It is our aim to develop and establish a
curriculum for the continuous medical education for physicians. So we like to conclude with the wish
that the coming century will not be only the century of medical elementology, but also of clinical
elementology.
2.P09
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM ANTIOXIDANT (SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E) AND IBUPROFEN
ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND LIPID PEROXIDATION
Liga Larmane 1, Tija Zvagule 2, Andrejs Skesters 1, Alise Silova 1, Kim Rainsford 3, Nina Rusakova 1,
and Jelena Reste 2
1
Riga Stradin's University (Riga, Latvia); 2 P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital (Riga, Latvia); 3
Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield, United Kingdom)
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between production of reactive oxygen and the biological
system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or easily repair the resulting damage.
Disturbances in this normal re-dox state can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides
and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Antioxidants in biological systems have multiple purposes, including defending against oxidative
damage and participating in the major signalling pathways of the cells. One major action of
antioxidants in cells is to prevent damage due to the action of reactive oxygen species. In complex
interactions with vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium plays an essential biological role
as part of the enzyme GSH-Px, which protects tissues against peroxidative damage by catalyzing the
reduction of lipid hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxides. Ibuprofen is a NSAID used for relief of
symptoms of several diseases and as analgesic, especially where there is an inflammatory
component. Selenium, vitamin E, ibuprofen and placebo were used for long-term therapy for 80
patients with reduced antioxidative defense system action. We analyzed various lipid peroxidation
parameters (MDA, TAS, NEFA, GSH, plasma hemiluminescence, etcd.) during and after one year
supplementation. Results indicate that long term usage of antioxidants and ibuprofen increased the
amount of Se and vit E in the patient's plasma thereby significantly preventing lipid peroxidation.
Acknowledgements: our thanks to “PharmaNord” (Denmark), “Olainfarm” (Latvia) for medicines, and
Randox Laboratories Ltd. (Crumlin, UK) for technical support.
2.P10
TRACE ELEMENTS LEVELS AND CANCER INCIDENCE IN EUROPE
Jilang Pan 1, Jane Plant 1, K. Vala Ragnarsdottir 2, and Nick Voulvoulis 1
1
Imperial College London (London, United Kingdom); 2 University of Bristol (Bristol, United Kingdom)
Differences between cancer rates and diet are apparent if data from WHO/IARC cancer incidence
data and FAO data on diet are compared for different countries. There is for example a clear positive
correlation between the intake of red meat and colon cancer incidence and between dietary animal fat
and breast cancer rates. These relationships have been confirmed and explained by more detailed
laboratory and epidemiological studies and are of value in developing cancer prevention strategies.
There are many suggestions in the scientific and medical literature of associations between trace
element levels and the incidence of different types of cancer. High levels of arsenic, for example,
have been linked to increased rates of skin and bladder cancer and cadmium has been suggested to
have oestrogenic properties and to be implicated in breast and prostate cancer. Selenium and iodine
on the other hand have been suggested to be generally protective against cancer. In this study the
age standardised incidence rates of cancer from the IARC/WHO database for 2002 are compared
with the level of a number of trace elements across Europe using data from the new Forum of
European Geological Surveys (FOREGS) database. The data show some positive correlations, for
example between the highest levels of cadmium and breast and prostate cancer incidence, although
no relationship is identified between low levels of selenium and any of the types of cancer studied.
Relationships between several types of cancer and the levels of arsenic, nickel and uranium and of
selenium and iodine in the surface environment of Europe are also presented.
2.P11
TRACE ELEMENTS THAT PROTECT AGAINST THE FREE RADICAL: FACTOR ANALYSIS
Nikola Ivicic, Nevenka Kopjar, Juraj Prejac, and Berislav Momcilovic
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (IMI) (Zagreb, Croatia)
The aim of this study was to study relationship between the whole blood bioelement multielement
profile (MP) and sister chromatide exchange (SCE) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes as an
indicator of the radical exposure. Ten apparently healthy registered nurses participated in this
randomized double blind study at the time of their annual health check up. The study was conducted
by following the principles of Helsinki declaration and approved by the IMI Ethical Committee. We
used ICP MS for the MP TE whole blood analysis at the Center for Biotic Medicine, Moscow, Russia;
SCE were analyzed by conventional light microscopy at the Laboratory for Mutagenesis, IMI. The
data were subjected to the principal component analysis using the SAS statistical package. The MP
TE of 41 elements was separated into 7 Principal Components whereas 9 element components were
extracted (Ag, Au, Bi, Co, Ga, Ge, Hg, Sb, Sn). The remaining 32 elements comprised 7 components:
the second largest Component (Factor 2, F2) with Eigenvalue of 18,9 showed that Se, Sr, Mn, Cu,
and Be are inversely related to the SCE. The 1st (F1): Mg, Fe, Zn, P, K, (-Pt), (-I), (-Cd), Si, Rb; the
3rd (F3): Mo, Al, W, Ni, Ca; the 4th (F4): La, Na, Ba, (-Pb), Li; the 5th (F5): V, Cr; the 6th (F6): Tl, B;
the 7th (F7): Zr. This is the first clear cut evidence that the free radical oxidative damage is inversly
related to the TE nutritional status. This finding emphasized the essential role of adequate TE nutrition
for the health protection under the normal everyday living and working conditions. Especially that of
Se, Sr, Mn, and Cu which have, respectively, proven cancer protection qualities, a role in the bone
metabolism, co-involvement with the Fe metabolism, and the quality of the blood vessel walls.
2.P12
INVESTIGATION OF CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF THALLIUM ACETATE AND ELLAGIC ACID ON
C6 CELL LINE
Oge Basoglan 1, Filiz Susuz 2, and Zerrin Canturk 2
1
Anadolu (Eskisehir, Turkey); 2 Anadolu Univercity (Eskisehir, Turkey)
The aim of the present study was to investigate the cytotoxic dose–response relationships of the trace
element thallium and ellagic acid were investigated on C6 cell line. C6 cell line was incubated with
different concentrations of thallium acetate and ellagic acid. Cell viability was determined by MTT and
Neutral Red assays. Ellagic acid and thallium were tested in the concentration range of 1 µM to 1000
µM (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000 µM). Cell proliferation was measured after 24, 48, 72,
and 96 hr using the MTT and NR assays. The results showed that thallium had cytotoxic effects and
decrease the cell viability in C6 cell line when compared to ellagic acid’s cytotoxic effects. According
to these results ellagic acid at a concentration of 100 µM dose 31%, 500 µM dose 13% of C6.
Thallium was found to be less cytotoxic than ellagic acid, at a concentration of 500 µM. After 48-h
incubation; thallium at concentration of 500µM caused decrease of C6 cell viability 500 µM 47%,
respectively. According to these results, 500µM concentration of ellagic acid showed more cytotoxic
effect than thallium.
2.P13
ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY MAGNESIUM AND DNA REPAIR CAPACITY WITH LUNG CANCER
RISK
Somdat Mahabir 1, Qingyi Wei 1, Margaret Spitz 1, and Michele Forman 2
1
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas, USA); 2 Uinversity of Texas M.
D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, USA)
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for humans because it is required for the maintenance of genomic
stability and DNA repair. Because the associations between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and lung
cancer risk have not been reported, we examined the relationship of Mg intake and DNA repair
capacity (DRC) on lung cancer risk in an ongoing case-control study. A total of 1,139 incident lung
cancer cases and 1,210 matched healthy controls with data on DRC were used to achieve our
objective. A modified National Cancer Institute-Block Food Frequency Questionnaire and a lifestyle
questionnaire were interviewer-administered to each participant. Cellular DRC was assessed by the
host-cell reactivation assay, which measured nucleotide excision repair capacity in peripheral blood
lymphocyte cultures. Mg intake in our control population was comparable to Mg intake in the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2000). After adjustment for recognized confounding
factors, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of lung cancer according to increasing
quartiles of dietary magnesium intake for all subjects were: 1.0, 0.8 (0.7-1.1), 0.6 (0.5-0.8), 0.5 (0.40.6), respectively (P trend < 0.0001). Similar ORs and trends were observed in men and women. In
stratified analysis, using those with high dietary Mg and proficient DRC as the referent group, the OR
for all subjects were: 1.0, 1.4 (1.0-1.8) for high dietary Mg and suboptimal DRC, 1.5 (1.2-2.0) for low
dietary Mg and proficient DRC, and 2.4 (1.8-3.0) for low dietary Mg and suboptimal DRC, respectively
(P trend < 0.0001). These associations were generally similar in men and women. Our results
suggest that low dietary Mg intake was associated with increased risk of lung cancer, and there may
be joint effects between Mg intake and DRC on lung cancer risk.
2.P14
TRACE ELEMENTAL CONSTITUTION OF PATIENTS WITH ORAL SUB-MUCOUS FIBROSIS AND
LEUKOPLAKIA AND ITS POSSIBLE CORRELATION WITH ENDOGENOUS ANTIOXIDANT
STATUS
Anindita Chakraborty 1, Sudarshan Mathummal 1, Ranjan Ghosh 2, Prem Gandhi 2, and JoyGopal Roy
2
1
UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Kolkata Centre (Kolkata, India); 2 R Ahmed Dental
College (Kolkata, India)
Oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSF) and leukoplakia are two critical types of precancerous conditions
affecting oral mucosal surface that could subsequently develop into oral cancer. Oral cancer
prevalence ranks first among men and third among women in India. As macro and microelements are
known to play important role in metabolic pathways, elemental status often indicates a reflection of
general health profile of a subject. Recent research has shown variation in elemental concentration in
tissues during growth of tumors and also in subjects suffering from various cancer types. In this
perspective the present work aims to evaluate serum trace elements(TE) of OSF and leukoplakia
patients to assess the status of these two precancerous conditions in terms of progression towards
cancerous growth. Further the work also focuses to correlate TE profile with the endogenous
antioxidant activity considering the enzyme catalase (CAT), which indicates the stress developed
during any pathological conditions. TE profile assessed employing Energy Dispersive X-Ray
Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique reflected significant alteration in levels of Ca, Cu, Zn, Se, Co and
Cr in OSF and leukoplakia patients when compared to that of the control group. Sr and Rb
concentrations also revealed interesting change. While Ca and Se concentrations revealed an
increasing trend in both the premalignant conditions, levels of Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, Sr and Rb showed a
reverse pattern in comparison to that of the control group. Significant decrease in CAT activity in both
types of patients reflected depletion in antioxidant status. The work stands out to be a signal to utilize
TE profile assessment in these premalignant diseases, which could be used as prophylactic measure
for preventing progression of these precancerous conditions towards malignancy.
2.P15
CHARACTERIZATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS AND METALLOENZYMES AND ITS
ASSOCIATION WITH THE IMMUNE STATUS IN ORAL CANCER PATIENTS
Nabakanta Jana 1, Anindita Chakraborty 2, Surajit Bose 3, JoyGopal Roy 3, and Sudarshan
Mathummal 4
1
CharuChandra College, (Kolkata, India); 2 UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Kolkata
Centre (Kolkata, India); 3 R Ahmed Dental College (Kolkata, India); 4 UGC-DAE Consortium for
Sceintifc Research, Kolkata Centre (Kolkata, India)
Production of excessive free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases
including neoplastic growth. Essential elements like copper, zinc, and selenium have been shown to
be involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Plasma trace elements (selenium, zinc and
copper) and RBC anti-oxidant metalloenzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase)
were studied in 45 patients suffering from oral cancer (OC). A control group of 84 healthy subjects
was selected. Trace element analysis was done employing the EDXRF technique. There was a
significant fall in the mean values of copper, zinc, selenium levels and depletion in activities of
superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in OC patients when compared to the control
subjects. Data indicate positive correlation between levels of zinc and copper with superoxide
dismutase activity, while selenium concentration reveals such correlation with activity of glutathione
peroxidase. The observed susceptibility of the patients with common infections is reflected in the
immune response of the subjects assessed through analysis of interleukin production. Depletion of
important micronutrients, especially zinc, in OC patients is corroborated by the observed deregulation
in enzyme activity and impairment of immune response of the subjects.
2.P16
INVESTIGATION OF CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF THE BORON COMPOUNDS ON LEUKEMIA
CELL LINE
Zerrin Canturk 1, Zafer Gulbas 2, and Yagmur Tunalı 1
1
Anadolu University (Eskisehir, Turkey); 2 Osmangazi University (Eskisehir, Turkey)
Recently, as the effects of malignancies have come out, the attention has been paid to various boron
compounds. There are many experiments in which boron compounds work as a proteozom inhibitor
on cancer cells. In our study, we searched out the effects of boric acid and sodium tetra borate on the
acute leukemia cell lineage. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect by the help of MTT and Neutral Red
method by following the overnight incubation of leukemic cells in 100, 250, 500, 1000 ul concentration
of boric acid and sodium tetraborate. We found that at the boric acid concentration of 500 ul, there are
dead cells at the rate of 50%, at 1000 ul at the rate of 70%, and for sodium tetra borate, a rate of
40%. On the other hand, in healthy human lymphocytes used as a control, this rate did not reach 30%
even in the highest concentration. We detected an increase of 20% in both compounds in the same
concentrations and in the lysosomal activity. We evaluated the apoptotic effect of boric acid and
sodium tetraborate on the lymphocyte and leukemic cell lines in the flow cytometry using acridine
orange methods. An apoptotic effect was found at a 1000 ul concentration 2.5% in normal
lymphocytes, and at 1000 ul concentration, 8.8% HL- 60 cell lines respectively. We examined the
boron compounds by means of the transmission electron microscope to detect their effects on the
acute leukemia cells. We observed that boric acid at a 500 ul dose caused double nucleus and
micronucleus formation in both acute leukemia cells and lymphocytes. We determined that an
expansion in the dimension of mitochondrium and a deformation in cristas appeared. We found that
boric acid was more effective than sodium tetraborate on the leukemia cell lines. According to our
results, partcularly boric acid showed a toxic effect on HL-60 (acute leukemia cells) in comparison to
normal lymphocytes and they also effected the mitochondrial pathway.
2.P17
SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
Jens Buentzel1,2, Michael Glatzel2, Frank Bruns2, Klaus Kisters2, Oliver Micke2,3, and Ralph Muecke2
1
Suedharzkrankenhaus (Nordhausen, Germany); 2AKTE German Working Group "Trace Elements
and Electrolytes in Oncology" (Bielefeld, Germany); 3Franziskus Hospital (Bielefeld, Germany)
We have recently reported about the positive influence of selenium substitution on the regression of
interstitial lymph edema due to radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. The presented study
was performed to evaluate the effects selenium substitution during surgical procedures in the oral
cavity and the neck tissue. We included 25 patients (5 women, 20 men) in the study, which was
performed according the principles of GCP (Declaration of Helsinki). All patients suffered from
histological confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth (n=10) or pharynx (n=15). We
performed laser surgical resection in all patients and neck dissection in 20/25. 10 patients received
neck dissection of both sides. At the evening of surgical procedures we measured the possibility of
the patient to open the mouth (evaluation of edema in the oral cavity) and the amount of the neck
(evaluation of the edema of the soft tissue). After the first measurements, the patients received 1,000
µg sodium selenite orally twice a day. The measurements were repeated every 24 hours. We have
observed a significant reduction of opening the mouth (p=0.03) within 24 hours after selenium
supplementation. The reduction of edema in the neck soft tissues becomes significant after 48 hours.
The normal nutrition was sufficient within 24 hours after surgical procedures. The positive influence on
the postoperative morbidity will be discussed in the presentation. The presented phase-II data show
similar experiences in surgical oncology then in the postradiation edema. A larger study is planned to
compare the observed results with the normal postoperative regression of edema.
2.P18
BORIC ACID AND PHENYL BORIC ACID CYTOTOXICITY IN BREAST CANCER CELL LINES
Susan Meacham, Anu Elegbede, and Stephen Carper
University of Nevada Las Vegas (Las Vegas, USA)
Previously we have reported that boric acid inhibits growth of prostate cancer cell lines. The
mechanism by which boron causes inhibition in prostate cancer cell growth is still unknown. However,
these positive findings encouraged our efforts to determine if boric acid has a similar effect on breast
cancer cells. We have reported that addition of 1 mM boric acid (BA) to culture media is able to
partially inhibit growth in some human breast cancer cell lines: ZR-75-1 and SK-BR-3 but not others:
MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435. In this study we report that phenyl boric acid (PBA), a
structurally bulkier analog of BA, was able to partially inhibit both ZR-75-1 and MCF-7. Following
treatment with BA we performed DNA analysis on both the floating and attached ZR-75-1 cells. DNA
analysis of these two cell populations indicated that attached cells where actively growing while
floating cells were undergoing apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. To confirm these results, ZR75-1 cells were analyzed by fluorescent microscopy staining and shown to be undergoing cell death
by apoptosis and not necrosis. Following treatment with PBA the floating ZR-75-1 had a dose
dependent block in the S-phase of the cell cycle while the floating MCF-7 cells displayed a dose
dependent increase in apoptosis. Our working hypothesis is that BA and PBA may be interacting with
integrin proteins on the cell surface of breast cancer cell lines. Integrins are heterodimeric,
glycoprotein transmembrane molecules responsible for cell adhesion, survival, motility and growth.
PBA was able to show a slight inhibition of cellular attachment in growth media. In the presence of
growth media containing 1mM MnCl2 integrins were stimulated to attach at a greater rate compared
to non-supplemented growth media. PBA was able to statistically inhibit attachment in the presence of
1 mM MnCl2.
2.P19
MECHANISM OF APOPTOSIS INDUCED BY COPPER IN PC12 CELLS
Masaaki Kurasaki 1, Masaki Kawakami 1, Toshiyuki Hosokawa 2, and Takeshi Saito 3
1
Hokkaido University, Faculty of Environmental Earth Science (Sapporo, Japan); 2 Hokkaido
University, Higher Education (Sapporo, Japan); 3 Hokkaido University School of Medicine (Sapporo,
Japan)
Copper is an essential trace element that permits the facile transfer of electrons in a diverse manner.
However, all copper compounds, unless otherwise known, should be treated as if they were toxic.
Copper acts as a catalyst in the formation of reactive oxygen species and catalyzes peroxidation of
membrane lipids. Moreover, recently it has been reported that apoptosis was induced by heavy
metals including copper. Apoptosis is a morphological and biochemical description of physiological
cell death mechanism that is commonly associated with programmed events necessary for the
differentiation and development of individuals and organs. In this study, to confirm whether copper
induced apoptosis, analyses of DNA fragmentation in PC12 cells treated with copper were carried out.
In addition, to determine the apoptotic pathway initiated by copper treatment, changing of apoptotic
factors, such as bax, bad and bcl-2, and caspase family in PC12 cells treated with copper were
measured by western blot and RT-PCR analyses. From the obtained results, it was shown that
copper induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, and a pathway concerning copper-induced apoptosis was
estimated that Bax, Bad and reactive oxygen species activated the release of cytochrome c from the
mitochondria into cytoplasm, owing to binding to apoptotic activating factor 1 and to activating
caspase 9 leading to the activation of caspase 3.
2.S01
CONCENTRATIONS OF SELECTED TRACE ELEMENTS, CADMIUM, AND STEROID
HORMONES IN WOMEN WITH UTERINE MYOMAS
Marzenna Nasiadek 1, Ewa Swiatkowska 2, Anna Nowinska 2, and Andrzej Sapota 1
1
Medical University of Lodz (Lodz, Poland); 2 Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute
(Lodz, Poland)
Uterine myomas make almost 95% of all benign neoplasms of uterus. Different hypotheses suggest
that myoma tumorgenesis appears to involve somatic mutations of normal myometrium and complex
interactions of estrogene, progesterone, and local growth factors. Cadmium, one of the environmental
factors, is recognized as a xenoestrogen. In addition, it alters the homeostasis of trace elements. The
aim of our study was to assess blood concentrations of cadmium, trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca,
and Fe), estradiol, and progesterone in women with uterine myomas. The expression of ER
(estrogenic) and PgR (progestagenic) receptors was also determined in tissues. Blood and tissue
samples were collected from 40 women with uterine myomas, being prepared for the operation.
Histopathologically unchanged tissues, collected from the same group of women, formed the control
group used to assess ER and PgR expression. All the tissues were subjected to histopathological
examination. Another control group composed of healthy women, confirmed by gynecological
examination, was used to determine blood concentrations of metals, estradiol and progesterone. In
both the study and control groups, enhanced blood cadmium and calcium concentrations were
revealed in all the women smoking cigarettes. In tissues collected from the smoking women, PgR
expression was higher than in non-smokers. In none of the groups, there were differences in blood
concentrations of remaining investigated elements and hormones between smokers and nonsmokers. Only in the group of non-smoking healthy women, the correlation between blood
concentrations of estradiol and progesterone was observed. The obtained data suggests that
cadmium can upregulate the internal concentration of calcium and play the role of an alternative
signaling of molecule controlling various transduction pathways with mitotic or pro-apoptotic
consequences. The study was supported by the Joint Project of the Medical University of Lodz (No.
502-13-483).
2.S02
BORIC ACID AND PHENYL BORIC ACID INDUCE APOPTOSIS IN PROSTATE CANCER CELL
LINES
Stephen Carper, Casey Hall, and Susan Meacham
University of Nevada Las Vegas (Las Vegas, USA)
Boric acid (BA) has been reported to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines but the
mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. In this study three human prostate cancer cell lines: DU145, PC-3 and LNCaP, were cultured in RPMI media in the presence or absence of 1 mM BA or 1
mM phenyl boric acid (PBA). BA completely inhibited the growth of DU-145, partially inhibited the
growth of PC-3 and did not inhibit the growth of LNCaP. PBA partially inhibited the growth of all three
cell lines. Both BA and PBA treatments resulted in dose dependent cell death determined by
clonogenic survival assays in DU-145 cells. Both BA and PBA caused DU-145 cells to detach and
undergo apoptosis in a dose dependent manner after four days of treatment. Again, both BA and PBA
induced activation of caspase 3 activity, critical to apoptosis. Likewise, DU-145 cell attachment in the
presence of BA or PBA was found to be inhibited. While MnCl2 was able to stimulate cell attachment,
BA or PBA were independently still capable of inhibiting cell attachment in DU-145 cells. Since boron
is a normal component of the human diet and BA a normal constituent of plasma, foods rich in boron
or a BA supplement may find application through further study to provide protection against prostate
cancer.
2.S03
ZINC REGULATES NFKAPPAB AND AP1 TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS IN PROSTATE CANCER
CELLS
Renty Franklin, Jing Zou, and Leslie Costello
University of Maryland, Baltimore (Baltimore, USA)
Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFkappaB) and Activator Protein 1 (AP1) are nuclear transcription factors
that regulate the expression of genes that play a role in tumor growth, angiogenesis and cancer
metastasis. Intracellular zinc appears to suppress tumorigenesis in the prostate and to induce
apoptosis in prostate cell lines, thus we investigated the effect of zinc signaling on the activation of
NFkappaB and AP1 in prostate cancer cells. PC-3 cells were treated with ZnCl2 plus sodium
pyrithione to increase intracellular zinc levels. Cells were collected, lysates prepared and the levels of
specific proteins analyzed by Western blot. The results showed that Zn stimulated the translocation of
NFkappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus. In addition, the level of cytosolic IkappaBalpha was
decreased. Zinc also increased the level of phosphorylated cJun present in the nuclear fraction. To
determine whether zinc had any effect on molecules involved in metastasis, we also determined the
level of MMPs in the cells. Zinc treatment decreased the expression of MMP2. All of the effects of zinc
were reversed by the addition of a cell permeable Zn chelator. These results suggest that zinc signals
the nuclear translocation of NFkappaB and activation of AP1. Moreover, the mechanisms likely
involve zinc induced loss of the inhibitor IkappaBalpha and phosphorylation of cJun respectively.
Supported by NIH grant CA079903.
2.S04
EFFECTS OF SELENIUM ALONE AND WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND IBUPROFEN MIXTURE IN
CHERNOBYL CATASTROPHE CLEAN-UP WORKERS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING CANCER
Andrejs Skesters 1, Tija Zvagule 2, Liga Larmane 1, Kim Rainsford 3, Alise Silova 1, Nina Rusakova 1,
and Pavels Mustafins 1
1
Riga Stradin's University (Riga, Latvia); 2 P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital (Riga, Latvia); 3
Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield, United Kingdom)
On the night of 26 April 1986, the Soviet nuclear accident brought for the Soviet Union and Europe
huge losses of financial and human resources. Upwards of 6500 male inhabitants of Latvia of
reproductive age were involved in the clean-up and recovery work after the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Consequently, they were exposed to both direct γ-radiation as well as inhaled or absorbed toxic
radioactive isotopes and volatile heavy metals derived from the reactor melt-down through their skin,
lungs and gastro-intestinal tract. After their homecoming, all clean-up workers (C-up-w) immediately
visited the University Hospital for a full medical examination. The evidence obtained from studies
performed to date suggest that many of the chronic diseases that are being experienced by the C-upw, including the recently identified increase of prostate symptoms, prostate or other neoplasm, are
due to the chronic manifestation of long-term oxidative stress (OS). Hence, this proposal is part of a
long-term study in 134 C-up-w of age 43 – 55 being served. C-up-w received selenium from yeast
alone or in combination with antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10, Ibuprofen, or Placebo. Concentrations of
selenium (Se), vitamin E (E), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), NEFA, triglycerides, lipid peroxides (LP),
intensity of OS were determined. After one year of supplementation, results showed that increased
concentrations of Se, E and TAS, thus improved antioxidative defense of the organism and some
Quality of Life described parameters. Simultaneously, there were decreased concentrations of LP and
OS. In fact, during the supplementation period, there were decreased needs for prescribed medicines,
including those for joint pain, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, stomach troubles and depression. In
groups treated for one year, there was no incidence of any neoplasia compared to 7 new cases of
neoplasia among the survey (control) C-up-w.
2.S05
ARE PEOPLE WITH LOW SELENIUM AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS AT MUCH HIGHER RISK OF
CANCER?
Wojciech Wasowicz
Institute of Occupational Medicine (Lodz, Poland)
A growing incidence of human cancer and other common diseases has been observed over recent
decades. There is increasing evidence that numerous dietary components play a crucial role in
modifying the process of carcinogenesis. Diet, the major source of vitamins, micronutrients,
antioxidants, and phytochemicals, but also the source of carcinogens and mutagens, is found to be
responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. Some authors proved that about 35% of cancer deaths
are associated with diet, which is comparable to the tobacco-related cancer risk. There is a growing
interest in the biological role of selenium (Se) in regard to both protection of human health and
prevention of diseases. Food is a major source of Se and researchers have a vested interest in Se
status in various populations not only because of its deficiency or toxicity symptoms, but also in view
of its potential beneficial effect contributing among others to cancer prevention. However, it is worth
noting that evidence for Se protective role is conflicting. Epidemiological studies show that a low Se
level, especially in males, is associated with an elevated risk for lung and prostate cancers. No
inverse association between the Se level and cancer risk was found for lung cancer in females. In
contrast to prostate cancer, breast cancer was not found to be influenced by the Se level. The
majority of studies on relations between the Se level and occurrence of colorectal cancer have
provided null results for both males and females. Antioxidants in general and antioxidant vitamins in
particular have been studied very extensively in relation to human cancer risk. Of the 19 intervention
studies, six proved beneficial effect of antioxidants (on DNA damage), whereas in 13 studies null
effects have been reported. At present, no general conclusions can be reached on the diet-related
carcinogenesis and antioxidant status (including intervention study) on cancer risk.
2.S06
ZINC AND SELENIUM STATUS IN PEDIATRIC MALIGNANT LYMPHOMAS
AYHAN O. ÇAVDAR
Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) of Trace Element and UNESCO-Satellite Center (Ankara)
(Ankara, Turkey)
Several studies on serum trace elements in malignant diseases including M. lymphomas have been
reported. However studies on hair Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) concentrations are rare in pediatric M.
Lymphomas (ML). The purpose of this study is to analyze Zn and Se status in ML particularly in
Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in childhood. Ninety six untreated patients with
ML aged from 2.5 to 16 years (81 HD and 15 BL) were studied for Zn and 21 from this group had also
selenium (Se) analysis. Their ages ranged from 2.5 to 16 yrs, majority of the patients were from a low
SES background and were in advanced stages at admission. Plasma and hair Zn, and Se levels were
measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry prior to treatment. The mean plasma Zn levels in
HD (75.7±5.5 µg/dl) and in BL (70.0±8.8 µg/dl) were significantly lower (p<0.001) compared to that of
controls (109.8±12.3 µg/dl). The mean hair Zn levels (114.5±34 µg/g) in HD and in BL 93.7±23.2 µg/g
were also significantly lower than the controls (184.0±19.3 µg/g). Plasma and hair Se levels were
42±7 ng/ml and 290±37 ng/g in HD and 36±4 ng/ml and 233±13 ng/g in BL respectively, both
significantly lower than that of controls (p<0.001 and p<0.01). In conclusion, chronic Zn and Se
deficiencies (low plasma and low hair Zn and Se levels together) were found to be associated with ML
patients in Turkish children before treatment. The majority of the patients were from low SES which
may be partially responsible from low Zn and Se status. Supplemention of the patients with these
trace elements in addition to standard chemo-radiotherapy regimens was suggested.
2.S07
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF SELENIUM-ENRICHED BROCCOLI SPROUTS IN HUMAN
PROSTATE CANCER CELL LINES
Rizky Abdulah 1, Kenji Kobayashi 1, Ahmad Faried 2, Yoko Katsuya 1, Tetsuya Otani 1, Kazuto Ito 3,
Kazuhiro Suzuki 3, Masami Murakami 4, Hiroyuki Kuwano 2, and Hiroshi Koyama 1
1
Department of Public Health, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan); 2
Department of General Surgical Science (Surgery I), Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine
(Maebashi, Japan); 3 Department of Urology, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine
(Maebashi, Japan); 4 Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate
School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan)
Anticancer effect of selenium-enriched broccoli sprouts was investigated in the human prostate
cancer cell lines. The selenium-enriched broccoli sprouts were germinated in sodium selenite
solution, and the speciation of selenium compounds was performed using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) / inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with size
exclusion column. Analysis of sulforaphane, the natural anticancer agent in broccoli sprout was
performed using HPLC with reversed phase column. Selenium-enriched broccoli sprouts extract was
then applied on human prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145). Cell proliferation
inhibition was observed using MTT assay, while prostate specific antigen (PSA), a well-accepted
prognostic indicator of prostate disease, was analyzed immunoenzymatically. The most abundant
form of selenium in selenium-enriched sprouts was Se-methylselenocysteine. There was no
differential sensitivity of both selenium-enriched and normal broccoli sprouts in prostate cancer cells
at higher concentration. On the other hand, in the lower concentration, the effect of selenium-enriched
broccoli sprouts in inhibiting cell proliferation and PSA secretion was superior then normal broccoli
sprouts. We speculate that the same effect given by both sprouts in higher concentration was due to
sulforaphane effect, as an active compound in the normal broccoli sprouts, while in the lower
concentration, the anticancer effect of sulforaphane was increased by the presence of selenium
compounds.
2.S08
ADDING IRON TO WHITE TEA MAY DECREASE ITS ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN HUMANS
Antonis Koutelidakis, Maria Kapsokefalou, Michael Komaitis, and Dionysia Karambela
Agricultural University of Athens (Athens, Greece)
We have proposed the hypothesis that iron may interact with polyphenols in the lumen and, thereby,
modulate their antioxidant ability in vivo. Lumenal interactions of polyphenols with iron are frequently
addressed in studies of iron absorption. Presumably iron-polyphenol chelates are formed during
digestion and this results in dramatically lower iron absorption. It follows that formation of ironpolyphenol chelates may inhibit the absorption of polyphenols. We tested in humans the hypothesis
that adding iron to tea diminishes the increase in antioxidant capacity in plasma, expected from tea
ingestion. Ten women, aged 25-55 years, received white tea infusion or a mixture of white tea
infusion and iron lactate in a randomized cross over design. Blood samples were drawn before the
administration of and 30, 45 and 90 min after the consumption of the test drinks. The antioxidant
capacity of plasma was measured with the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) assay. The
phenolic content of plasma was measured as total catechins and as content in selected phenolics
with an HPLC assay. White tea increased the antioxidant capacity and the phenolic content of plasma
(P<0.0001) in a time dependent manner (P<0.0001). Iron inhibited the rise in antioxidant capacity and
in the phenolic content of plasma (P=0.0057). These results suggest that iron may modify the
antioxidant properties of polyphenols and are in support of the hypothesis. Potential inhibition of
polyphenol absorption as a result of lumenal interactions between iron and phenolics is plausible
mechanism that may explain the observed effect and reserves further investigation. This study
elucidates the complex lumenal interactions between iron and polyphenols. The evaluation of the
overall antioxidant capacity of the complex food systems contributes to the discussion on the optimal
intakes of polyphenol and iron.
Category 3: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases
3.P01
BLOOD ANTIOXIDANT MARKERS AND ELEMENTAL LEVELS IN AZOREAN PATIENTS WITH
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Rita Ferin 1, Patrícia Napoleão 2, Carla Gomes 1, Ana Rita Castro 1, Paula Alexandra Lopes 3, Dinis
Martins 4, Maria Cristina Santos 5, José Baptista 1, Ana Maria Viegas-Crespo 3, Teresa Pinheiro 2, and
Maria Leonor Pavão 1
1
CIRN, Universidade dos Açores (Ponta Delgada, Portugal); 2 ITN (Lisboa, Portugal); 3 CBA,
Universidade de Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal); 4 Hospital do Divino Espirito Santo (Ponta Delgada,
Portugal); 5 DQB, Universidade de Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal)
Atherosclerosis (ATH) and related vascular diseases are the first cause of morbidity and mortality in
Portugal, including the Azores’ Archipelago. The oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) is
considered to be an important event in the development of the disease. Accordingly, by preventing
LDL oxidation, antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk or the progression of ATH. Essential trace
elements as Cu, Se, Zn and Fe are involved in endogenous antioxidant systems, mainly as cofactors
of antioxidant enzymes. Other elements, like K and Ca, might play a role in atherogenesis while
implicated in physiological and metabolic processes which are known to be disturbed in ATH. The aim
of the present study was to evaluate some blood antioxidant markers and blood elemental levels in 20
azorean subjects (10 men and 10 women, aged 40 to 65 years) with coronary artery disease
previously submitted to percutaneous revascularization (PCI). The whole blood gluthatione
peroxidase (Se-GPx) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities were measured, as well as
serum vitamin E levels (by HPLC). The concentrations of K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in plasma and
blood cells were determined by PIXE. Results were analyzed by taking into account several
cardiovascular risk factors, namely gender, hypertension, dislipidemia and total plasma homocysteine
(tHcy) concentration. Se-GPx activity and vitamin E levels were significantly lower (24% and 15%,
respectively) in the PCI group than in controls. In blood cells, significantly differences in Ca (19±5 vs.
24±6 ug/mL) and Zn (14±1 vs.12± 2 ug/mL) levels were observed in PCI women (but not in men) as
compared to the respective counterparts. Also in PCI women, both serum triglyceride and plasma
tHcy concentrations were above reference values and higher than in men. Results suggest a
decreased antioxidant status in PCI patients. In particular, women appear to be less protected than
men, as reflected in some cardiovascular risk factors.
3.P02
BLOOD TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH STABILIZED ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Ana Maria Viegas Crespo 1, Patrícia Napoleão 1, Paula Lopes 1, Maria Cristina Santos 1, Maria
Leonor Pavão 2, and Maria Teresa Pinheiro 3
1
Faculdade de Cíências, Universidade Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal); 2 CIRN, Universidade dos Açores
(Ponta Delgada, Portugal); 3 Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear (Lisboa, Portugal)
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Western populations. Dislipidemia,
hypertension, diabetes, obesity and tobacco smoking are the main risk factors for atherosclerosis and
its thrombotic complications. However, these factors alone cannot account for all of the deaths
caused by vascular pathologies. The possible interaction of some trace element levels with
atherogenic diseases is not completely clarified. On the other hand, the intra and extra cellular
concentrations of elements playing an important function in the electrolytic equilibrium could partially
be associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions and other associated pathologies. The aim of this
study was to evaluate trace elements (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se) and electrolytic balance associated
elements (K and Ca) in plasma and blood cells of patients with stabilized atherosclerosis. Significant
differences between patient and control groups were observed in blood cell K, Fe and Zn
concentrations, while plasma K, Ca, Fe and Zn levels exhibited significant differences between
groups. Results will be discussed taking into account the main function of those elements and the
aethiology of atherosclerosis. The relationship of results with the studied cardiovascular risk factors
will be also considered.
3.P03
MAGNESIUM IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS TREATED SURGICALLY
J. Krystyna Sadlik 1, Zbigniew Kopański 2, Wojciech Piekoszewski 1, and Małgorzata SchlegelZawadzka 3
1
Institute of Forensic Research (Kraków, Poland); 2 1 Department of Oncological Surgery, Military
Clinical Hospital (Kraków, Poland); 3 Department Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Care,
Jagiellonian University (Kraków, Poland)
Magnesium is one of the most important elements, fulfilling significant and complex functions in the
body. Changes in concentration of magnesium in the serum can be linked with the occurrence of
many varied pathological states. The aim of this work was to present some findings from our studies
that we carried out earlier concerning concentration of magnesium in serum in patients with
hypertension, disorders of the synostosis, thrombophlebitic complications of the lower limbs, after
removal of the gall bladder by laparoscopy or laparotomy, with disturbances of the rhythm of the
heart. In all the mentioned groups of patients with post-operative complications, lowering of
magnesium concentration in relation to normal values was ascertained. For example: average
concentration of magnesium in patients (n = 59) with hypertension (of varying degree of severity) was
15.1, and in the control group (healthy persons) 20.3 mg/L, with disorders of the synostosis (n 29)
15.5, in the control group (patients without synostosis disorders) - 19.2 mg/L. In patients with
thromboembolic complications after cholecystectomy (n 89), average concentrations of magnesium
were 14.3, whilst in patients in whom thrombosis was not present, 18.7 mg/L. The magnesium
concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The accuracy of the method
was verified against a serum reference standard SeronormTM Trace Elements SERO AS Billingstad,
Norway. The presented paper and results can contribute to the data on magnesium concentrations in
serum of patients with different complications after surgical intervention.
3.P04
ZINC DEFICIENCY DECREASES ERYTHROPOIESIS IN RATS: IMPLICATION FOR POSSIBLE
ZINC DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN HUMANS
Aki Konomi, and Katsuhiko Yokoi
Seitoku University Graduate School (Matsudo, Japan)
Iron medication, a major cure for anemia, is not effective for some subsets of nutritional anemia, i.e.,
iron refractory anemia. Some researchers reported that oral zinc effectively cured some patients with
iron refractory anemia. It is not established that single zinc deficiency induces anemia in humans. We
propose a hypothesis that zinc deficiency impairs production of erythroid cells. To test the hypothesis,
thirty 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into 3 groups of 10 for the 4-week study
receiving AIN-93G-based EDTA-treated casein diet: ad libitum fed control group (AIN-93G), moderate
zinc deficiency group (4.5 mg Zn/kg diet) and pair-fed group (AIN-93G). Spleen weights, plasma
erythropoietin concentration (EPO), complete blood counts, reticulocyte counts (Ret) and red cell
distribution width (RDW) were measured and peripheral blood and bone marrow smears (WrightGiemsa stain) were observed. Zinc deficiency per se induced hypoplastic bone marrow and
anisocytosis and spherocytosis in peripheral blood; significantly diminished Ret and increased relative
spleen weight. Zinc deficiency per se also significantly increased RDW and decreased plasma
alkaline phosphatase activity. Diet restriction significantly increased MCV and decreased plasma
EPO. Changes in MCV and plasma EPO were similar in moderate zinc deficiency group as well as
pair-fed group. These results suggest that prolonged moderate zinc deficiency may cause anemia
due to impaired erythropoiesis. Therefore, individuals with zinc deficiency anemia might be included in
patients with iron refractory anemia. This research was financially supported by Japan Science
Society (The Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant No. 18-144).
3.P05
HIGH-DOSE ZINC TO TERMINATE ANGINA PECTORIS: A REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS FOR
ACTION BY ICAM INHIBITION
George Eby 1, and William Halcomb 2
1
George & Patsy Eby Foundation (Austin, USA); 2 William W. Halcomb Clinic (Mesa, AR, USA)
Lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation are believed to be critical for arteriosclerosis, and consequently
angina pectoris and Raynaud's disease. Administration of biologically available zinc (zinc gluconate)
was a beneficial treatment for angina pectoris and Raynaud's disease in several patients during a
1983 zinc lozenge for common cold clinical trial at doses varying from 150 to 300 mg per day. Follow
up showed that they remained asymptomatic. Other patients were similarly treated from 1983 to
current date in a clinical setting with similar results. Zinc blocks calcium and its several actions on
atherogenesis. Increased amounts of cytotoxic cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-beta and IL-8, often
produced in the elderly, are blocked by high-dose zinc in humans. We hypothesize that higher serum
concentrations of LDL cholesterol resulting from administration 300 mg of zinc per day as observed
by Chandra is caused by a release of low density cholesterol from cardiovascular tissues, beneficially
flushing it into the serum where it is readily observed, thus decreasing arteriosclerosis, increasing
circulation, terminating angina pectoris and restoring more youthful cardiac function, and that such is
not harmful. Although prevention of cholesterol-induced arteriosclerosis by zinc is predicted from
findings related to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, removal of LDL might be attributable to
action of ionic zinc on ICAM inhibition. In stark contrast to current practice, high-dose zinc should be
considered as basic in the strategy of prophylaxis and therapy of the atherosclerosis process to
terminate angina pectoris and restore youthful cardiac function.
3.P06
LIPIDEMIC PROFILE AND HEAVY METAL BODY BURDEN IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Spyridoula Mila, Demetra Filiou, Alexandros Tselepis, Angelos Evangelou, and Vasiliki Kalfakakou
University (Ioannina, Greece)
Lipidemic profile is strongly correlated to cardiovascular pathology and arterial hypertension. Essential
trace metals like zinc and copper are also strongly correlated to collagen and elastin biosynthesis of
cardiovascular system and hence to hypertension and coronary disease. Dietary habits are the main
sources of the above metals in human body. Aim of the present study is to investigate correlations
between lipidemic profile and heavy metal body burden of hypertensive patients living in the same
urban area with common nutritional and lifestyle habits. Seventeen (11 male, 6 female) hypertensive
patients, aged 35-55 years under monotherapy or combination of antihypertensive treatment (bblockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors-ACEI, calcium inhibitors- CaI) were analyzed for
blood serum Chol, HDL, LDL, Tg, Na, K, Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Cd levels and hair Zn, Cu, Cd content.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after anti hypertensive treatment along with their
nutritional history were registered.
Our results revealed better lipidemic profile for treated women patients compared to men. Mean
serum Zn/Cu ratio was found increased in combined ACEI/CaI treated patients. Hair zinc/copper ratio
though, indicative of the chronic metal body status was found significantly higher compared to normal
values in both sexes (Zn/ Cu:men:25,53, women:15,58, NL:4-12.Serum Cd levels were nearly 40%
less in women compared to men. Hair Cd concentration were within normal limits in both sexes but in
women a positive correlation may be observed to HDL/ LDL ratio. In conclusion, nutritional and
lifestyle originated metals may play a significant role in hypertensive disease onset and treatment.
SUPPORTED BY THE EC E.P.E.A.E.K. II “HRAKLEITOS” (61/1783) PROJECT.
3.S01
FISH INTAKE, FATTY ACIDS, MERCURY, SELENIUM AND RISK OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
– DESIGN OF A PROSPECTIVE CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Maria Wennberg 1, Ingvar Bergdahl 1, Mats Eliasson 2, Göran Hallmans 3, Ulf Strömberg 4, Staffan
Skerfving 4, Thomas Lundh 4, Bengt Vessby 5, and Jan-Håkan Jansson 3
1
Occupational Medicine (Umeå, Sweden); 2 Department of Medicine, Sunderby Hospital (Luleå,
Sweden); 3 Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University (Umeå, Sweden); 4 Occupational
and Environmental Medicine, University Hosptial (Lund, Sweden); 5 Public Health and Caring
Science, Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden)
A majority of previous studies on fish intake and myocardial infarction indicate a protective effect of
fish intake; probably an effect of the long-chain fatty acids in fish. But not all studies indicate a
protective effect of fish intake. There are studies showing a connection between high levels of
mercury, a contaminant in some fish, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction. The aim of the
study is to further elucidate whether intake of fish, mercury, selenium or the sum of proportions of fatty
acids EPA (20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3), influence the risk of myocardial infarction. Within a
population-based cohort from a community intervention programme, 503 cases of myocardial
infarction and 626 matched controls were identified and included in this nested case-control study.
Information on fish intake had been recorded at recruitment, i.e. before diagnosis. Mercury and
selenium levels will be determined in erythrocyte membranes, and the relative content of fatty acids
will be measured in plasma phospholipids, also collected at recruitment.
Discussion: Previous studies of the same population have shown intercorrelations between the
biomarkers associated to fish consumption. Therefore, a multivariate approach will be applied. By
October, we will have preliminary results at hand.
3.S02
EFFECT OF SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON HEART LESIONS PRODUCED BY
NEUROLEPTICS
Muriel BOST (1, 2), Violette MAFFRE 3, Fanny VAILLANT 3, Bernard BUI-XUAN 3, Alain TABIB 4,
Jacques DESCOTES 5, Guy CHAZOT 1, Quadiri TIMOUR (3, and 5)
1
Trace Element - Institute for UNESCO (Lyon, France); 2 Laboratoire d'Analyse de Trace, UF 21303,
Biochimie, Hôpital Edouard Herriot (Lyon, France); 3 Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Médicale,
INSERM ERI 22, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I (Lyon, France); 4 Institut de Médecine Légale
(Lyon, France); 5 Centre Antipoison - Centre de Pharmacovigilance (Lyon, France)
Neuroleptics can induce organic or functional heart lesions that may lead to sudden patient death. As
selenium (Se) has previously been suggested to play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy,
the present study was undertaken to determine whether neuroleptic-induced lesions correlate with low
heart Se and whether Se supplementation has an effect on cardiac lesions. Forty NZW adult rabbits
were separated into four groups: the control group (GI) received a saline solution, GII was treated with
levomepromazine (3 mg/kg/d) and risperidone (1 mg/kg every other week), GIII received sodium
selenite and GIV received levopromazine + risperidone + sodium selenite (GIV). All treatments were
administered by intramuscular injection. At the end of the 3-month treatment period, myocardial Se
was measured in all animals and their hearts were examined histologically. Myocardial Se levels in
treated animals (GII) (p<0.001) were half those in controls (GI). In contrast to control animals (GI),
treated animals (GII) developed heart lesions including disorganization of cardiac fibers, myolysis,
interstitial and endocardial fibrosis, and necrosis. After 90 days of Se supplementation in neuroleptictreated rabbits (GIV), heart Se was less significantly decreased than in GII with a reduction of
necrosis and fibrosis. However, Se-supplemented rabbits (GIII) showed heart lesions differing from
those observed in GII, such as nuclear dystrophy, reflecting the toxicity of Se in organs with a
sufficient supply. In this study, Se supplement reduced the number and severity of heart lesions
showing it to be beneficial and associated with protection of the heart in neuroleptic-treated rabbits.
Our results support the hypothesis of a correlation between neuroleptic-induced heart lesions and
decreased myocardial Se levels.
3.S03
MICRONUTRIENT TREATMENT IMPROVES CARDIAC DAMAGE IN MICE INFECTED WITH
TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI
Tania Araujo-Jorge 1, Andrea P de Souza 2, Monica Melo-Medeiros 2, and Maria-Teresa Rivera 2
1
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); 2 Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Effects of free radicals as causal agents in cardiac lesions have been showed in the last few years.
Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants protect living organisms against the attack of reactive
oxygen species. Minerals which exert antioxidative function include selenium (Se), zinc, copper and
manganese. It has been reported the correlation between low serum Se levels and the incidence or
severity of heart diseases, and positive results have been found with its supplementation such as:
coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction in subjects from Finland; cardiomyopathy in patients
nourished by parenteral via; congestive heart failure in children malnourished; decreasing in left
ventricular end-diastolic volume in hamster heart. Additionally, our group investigated the effect of Se
supplementation in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, after the knowledge that Se deficiency was
able in decreasing the resistance to experimental infection, and that low Se levels were associated
with the severity of cardiopathy in chagasic patients. We verified that Se prevented the heart from
inflammatory damage driven by T. cruzi infection in mice in different phases of the infections as
shown by biochemical and echocardiograph data. Future histological studies are important to confirm
the potential benefit of this micronutrient-treatment on chagasic cardiopathy in mice.
Category 4: Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome X, and Obesity
4.P01
THE ROLE OF LOW DOSES OF LEAD ON DEVELOPMENT OF DISLIPIDEMY: EXPERIMENTAL
DATA
Kostiantyn Kozlov, Lilia Krasnokutska, Inna Lubyanova, Nataliya Dmytrukha, Tamara Korolenko, and
Iryna Andrusyshyna
Institute for Occupational Health (Kiev, Ukraine)
The link between environmental pollution and premature ageing, the decrease of life expectancy and
higher morbidity levels among people living in harsh environmental conditions is now well established.
Dislipidemy remains the risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Even that
clinically manifested forms of lead intoxication are now rarely detected, the problem of lead exposure
in low doses remains important taking into account the peculiarities of lead accumulation and
toxicodynamics. Lifetime lead accumulation in depot and ability of lead to be released from depot in
certain conditions, e.g. as a result of osteoporosis in postmenopausal period, can accelerate
formation of metabolic syndrome. The aim of current study was to establish the possibility of
development of dislipidemy under lead exposure in low doses. Young (3-3.5 months) and old (22-23
months) Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with 1.53 mg/kg lead acetate. After 50 injections
lead levels in blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry; Zn-protoporphyrine, total
lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and β-lipoproteides were measured by standard
methods. After 50 injections of lead acetate the lead content in blood increased in 4.5 times in young
rats and in 1.8 times in old rats comparing to control groups. Zn-protoporphyrine increased in 3 and
2.5 times respectively. These data indicate disturbances of heme synthesis and iron utilization.
Dislipidemy in old rats was characterized by increased levels of cholesterol to 62.6% and βlipoproteides to 52.9% comparing to control. These indices remained almost unchanged as well as
triglycerides content in young rats. The increase of phospholipids was detected in both groups in 2
times. Lead accumulation in rats after exposure to low doses during 50 days caused disturbances of
heme synthesis and development in dislipidemy among old rats.
4.P02
IS PLASMA CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION A PREDICTOR FOR FAVOURABLE EFFECT OF
CHROMIUM SUPPLEMENTATION?
Matjaz Vrtovec 1, Alenka Briski 1, Gaj Vidmar 2, and Andreja Kocijancic 3
1
University Medical Centre (Ljubljana, Slovenia); 2 Medical Faculty Ljubljana (Ljubljana, Slovenia); 3
University of Ljubljana (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
The presence of chromium (Cr) in man has been shown to be necessary for maintaining normal
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and chromium supplementation could be beneficial for the people
who do not have enough Cr in the body. There is still no good parameter which would indicate Cr
insufficiency. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Cr suplementation on parameters
of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and to find any marker which
could predict a favorable effect of Cr supplementation on insulin resistance and HbA1c. In the
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross over trial we included 60 patients with type 2
diabetes treated only by diet. They received 3 months chromium picolinate 1000 ug daily and 3
months placebo. We observed: HbA1c, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose concentration,
fasting and postprandial insulin concentration, body weight, HOMA-IR, blood concentrations of total,
HDL- and LDL cholesterol, triglicerides and Lp(a), the chromium concentrations in urine, plasma and
erythrocytes. The chromium concentration in urine, plasma and erythrocytes was measured with
ETAAS with Zeeman corrections. According to the poor effect of chromium on the parameters of
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism we found 35 patients with lowering of HOMA-IR and 15 with
lowering of HbA1c after CrPic supplementation. With logistic regresion we did not find any indicator
for patients in whom we could expect the lowering of HOMA-IR (p=0,593), but we found the elevated
chromium concentration in plasma as predictor for good effect of CrPic supplementation to HbA1c
(p=0,039). Among the measured concentrations of chromium in the urine, plasma and erythrocytes,
the elevated plasma chromium concentration was found as a marker which could show us potential
responders to whom CrPic supplementation could result in lowering of HbA1c.
4.P03
LONGITUDINAL HAIR-ZN PROFILES OF ELDERLY SUBJECTS WITH NORMAL GLUCOSE
TOLERANCE AND TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS
Janez Štupar 1, Franci Dolinšek 2, and Matjaž Vrtovec 3
1
University of Nova Gorica (Nova Gorica, Slovenia); 2 retired (Ljubljana, Slovenia); 3 University
Medical Center (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Evidence exists for the role of zinc in glucose metabolism, although the mechanism of action is not
fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glucose intolerance on Zn
metabolism. Hair Zn profiles were measured in a group of healthy elderly subjects (N=48, M=30,
F=18) and NIDDM patients (N=58, M=35, F=23). Zn content of the proximal 3 mm of 30-50 hairs (HZnpr), as well as the average Zn content of the 25 mm hair length (H-Znav) were obtained from the
data. Variation of Zn content along the whole the hair length was also calculated. The latter was
assumed to be representative of Zn metabolized in the body. Some evidence for this is presented. No
statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in H-Znav. The frequency
distribution of log H-Znpr, data of both groups showed a definite bimodal pattern. Approximately 16%
of subjects had low H-Znpr content (median 50 µg/g) while the majority (84%) showed normal H-Znpr.
(median 141 µg/g) irrespective of the population group examined. In comparison to the controls,
NIDDM patients displayed a narrower distribution of H-Zn values. Unlike Cr, a relatively small
variation (14-15%) in Zn content along the hair length (2-4 months in time scale) was observed, and
no statistically significant difference existed between the two groups. A significant positive association
(r=0.3847, N=40, p<0.05) between duration of illness and fasting plasma glucose was previously
found. A similar weak (r=0.3195, N=23, p>0.05) positive correlation was established between duration
of illness and H-Znav. Neither of these two population groups exhibited an association between HZnav, and age. The results presented suggests that in contrast to Cr, Zn metabolism is not influenced
by glucose oscillations characteristic of NIDDM patients. However, an increased Zn metabolic rate
was observed as the illness progressed. This implies that increased fasting plasma glucose requires
more Zn to be metabolized.
4.P04
INVOLVEMENT OF MACRO AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN DYSREGULATORY MECHANISMS OF
OBESITY AND TYPE II DIABETES PATHOGENESIS IN PRE- AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Margarita Skalnaya 1, Georgy Kryzhanovsky 2, and Anatoly Skalny 2
1
ANO “Centre for Biotic Medicine” (Moscow, Russian Federation); 2 Institute of general pathology and
pathophysiology RAMS (Moscow, Russian Federation)
Recently, we (Skalnaya, Demidov, Skalny, 2006, 2007) found BMI to be significantly correlated with
macro and trace element hair contents in men and women. Mainly, overweight and especially obese
subjects have decreased hair content of Mg, Zn and increased K, Na, Pb, Al. In this study the scalp
hair mineral content of obese (Group O, n=141) and diabetic (type II) (Group D, n=93) pre- and
postmenopausal women, analyzed by ICP-OES/ICP-MS, were compared to control group (Group C,
n=1236). The elevated hair Hg (p<0.02), K (p<0.05) and lower hair Ca, Mg, Zn, I in Group O were
found. Group D differs from control by decreased Ca, Mg, Zn, Co, I and increased hair K, Na, Hg. So,
hair mineral profiles in obese and diabetic women were very similar except Na content (elevated in
Group D). But the severity of deviations in obtained data was more significant in diabetic women as
compared to obese ones. The pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity and type II diabetes in preand postmenopausal women are similar, and using of macro and trace elements in prevention and
treatment of both pathologies is essential.
4.P05
DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS AND TRACE METALS IN GROUND WATER AND SOIL IN
LIBYA BY FLAME AAS AND HEART AND DIABETTICS DISEASE
Tarik Nasser 1, Ali Alagel 2, Mohamed Emhemed 2, and Ahmedf Alhaqngari 2
1
Almerqeb University (Tripoli, Libya); 2 National Center of Pesticides (Tripoli, Libya)
Libya depends on ground water, rain water, and a desalinization program (to be started). Our
research was to assay the levels of copper, lead, cadmium, and other metals in ground water and in
soil. Correlation to these metals were investigated by using different sites and locations. Different
extraction methods were used and EDTA was proved to be a good extractant of metals from soil.
Different methods were used and discussed. We found a correlation between zinc, calcium, and
magnesium and disease. We compared different cities in Libya to find correlations for such diseases.
Also, we find that large number of diabetics related to zinc and chromium defficiency. Statistical
analyses are also given for this study. This is original study and we compared results from different
countries. The hardness of water is considered important for heart disease. Therefore, we
concentrated on these factors in our study.
4.P06
AGES AND COPPER IONS
Andreea Iren Serban Capatina 1, Marieta Costache 2, and Anca Dinischiotu 2
1
University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
(Bucharest, Romania); 2 University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Center
(Bucharest, Romania)
We investigated the propagation of glycation process in the presence and absence of 0.1 mM Cu+2 on
native collagen by in vitro incubation with glycated BSA, for 10 days and 6 weeks. The glycated BSA
was obtained by incubation of 100 mg/ml BSA with 1.6 M glucose. The SDS-PAGE and gel filtration
analyses showed the presence of 85.9 kDa AGE-BSA monomer and a 162.6 kDa dimer whereas the
unglycated monomer of BSA was 67.9 kDa. The elution pattern of control sample (non-incubated
mixture AGE-BSA and collagen) in the presence or absence of Cu+2 showed three important peaks
corresponding to the collagen peptides (34.6 kDa), the AGE-BSA monomer and dimer. After 10 days
of mixture incubation in the absence of Cu+2, the collagen peptides peak and the AGE-BSA dimer
peak showed a slightly increase in molecular weight and a two fold increase in UV absorbance and
specific fluorescence compared to control. In the presence of Cu+2 the elution pattern showed the
appearance of a new 21.5 kDa peak with high fluorescence, the decrease of the molecular weight of
collagen peptides until 30.6 kDa and the disappearance of AGE-BSA dimer. After 6 weeks of
glycation in the absence of Cu+2 a lot of crosslinking compounds with molecular weight between 59.6–
401.46 kDa with a maximum level of fluorescence and UV absorbance associated to the 110 kDa
product appeared. The presence of Cu+2 generated a molecular aggregate with molecular weight
between 34.1 –375 kDa with a maximum of fluorescence and UV absorbance for the 34.1 kDa
product. Our experiments have shown the progression of crosslinking of unglycated proteins in the
presence of glycated proteins but in the absence of sugar. The ions induced initially a protein
fragmentation probably due to ROS generation. The progression of glycation was possible by the
degradation of existing early and advanced glycation products in the presence of Cu+2 that generated
ROS and other more reactive products that can attack the unglycated proteins.
4.S01
FEMALE OFFSPRING OF RAT DAMS FED LOW BORON DIETS DURING PREGNANCY AND
LACTATION EXHIBIT SIGNS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME DURING EARLY ADULTHOOD:
INCREASED BODY WEIGHT, AND SERUM TRIGLYCERIDES AND TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
CONCENTRATIONS
Curtiss Hunt, and Joseph Idso
USDA/ARS/GFHNRC (Grand Forks, USA)
To expand on findings from this laboratory that low dietary boron may affect energy substrate
utilization, we determined whether low dietary boron during early development promotes
manifestation of the metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. Sprague-Dawley dams were fed either a
boron-low (BL; ~0.1 mg B/kg) or boron-supplemented (BS; ~3.0 mg B/kg) diet from 75 d prior to
breeding (with diet-matched males) to weaning of pups. Female weanlings (21 d of age; 24/group)
were re-randomized and fed either the BL or BS diet for 63 d. Beginning at 28 d post weaning,
maternal boron deprivation, but not post-weaning boron nutriture, increased body weight (p = 0.0001)
in offspring (215 vs. 192 g at 84 d of age). Also, at 84 d of age, maternal boron deprivation increased
serum concentrations of triglycerides (0.54 vs 0.47 mmol/L, p = 0.005) and total cholesterol (2.04 vs
1.89 mmol/L, p = 0.004) and decreased alkaline phosphatase (121 vs. 146 U/L; p = 0.004).
Independent of maternal nutriture, post-weaning boron deprivation increased serum concentrations of
glucose (11.2 vs 10.1 mmol/L; p = 0.001). The findings that a maternal diet limited in boron content
(i.e., one low in fruit, nut, vegetable, and legume content) may increase manifestation of some
components of the metabolic syndrome in adult offspring, including an 11% increase in body weight,
suggests a possible role for boron in prevention of the syndrome
4.S02
SAFETY, ABSORPTION, AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF CHROMIUM HISTIDINE
Richard A. Anderson 1, Noella Bryden 1, Marilyn Polansky 1, Isabelle Hininger-Favier 2, Rachida
Benaraba 3, and Anne Roussel 3
1
Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (Beltsville, USA); 2 LBFA, Universite' Joseph Fourier,
(Grenoble I, France); 3 LBFA, Universite' Joseph Fourier (Grenoble , France)
Supplemental chromium has been shown to be involved in the alleviation of the metabolic syndrome,
glucose intolerance, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, excess body fat, and gestational, steroidinduced, and type 2 diabetes. Chromium amino acid complexes that contained histidine displayed
consistently higher absorption compared with other chromium complexes tested in human subjects
and a complex of chromium tri-histidine displayed the highest absorption. Previous studies have
shown, using purified DNA, that chromium histidine displayed significantly lower DNA damage (similar
to control cells) than other commercially available chromium nutritional supplements. We used human
cultured HaCaT keratinocytes and also were unable to find any signs of toxicity of the chromium
histidine complex. The trivalent forms of chromium tested exhibited protective antioxidant effects
when cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced stress. In chromium histidine treated cells,
transcripts related to the antioxidant family were upregulated. When HaCaT keratinocytes were
preincubated with chromium histidine before peroxide, there was increased expression of genes
implicated in oxidative repair (POLD2) and antioxidant defense (GSS) whereas the SOD2 transcript
was down regulated. These results demonstrate that chromium histidine is a safe form of chromium
that is absorbed by humans better than any of the known chromium complexes and functions as an
antioxidant. Chromium histidine is part of U.S.Patent No.6,689,383 “Chromium-Histidine Complexes
As Nutritional Supplements”, USDA License No.1367-002.
4.S03
ZINC AND IRON ABSORPTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS IN
MORBID OBESE PATIENTS
Manuel Ruz 1, Fernando Carrasco 1, Pamela Rojas 1, Jorge Inostroza 1, Juana Codoceo 1, Attila
Csendes 1, Karin Papapietro 1, Fernando Pizarro 1, Manuel Olivares 1, Nancy Krebs 2, Jamie Westcott
2
, and Michael Hambidge 2.
1
University of Chile (Santiago, Chile); 2 UCHSC (Denver, CO, USA)
The objective of the study was to evaluate zinc and iron absorption and nutritional status in patients
with morbid obesity before and after six and twelve months of gastric bypass (GBP). Sixty-seven
women were studied previous to gastric bypass (average age 36.7±9.8 y, weight 115.1±15.5 kg, BMI
45.2±4.6 kg/m2). In 47 and 28 individuals there were results after six and twelve months of surgery,
respectively. Zinc status was assessed through the determination of plasma zinc (PLZn), plasma
alkaline phosphatase activity (AP), and the size of the rapidly exchangeable zinc pool (EZP). Iron
status was evaluated by hemoglobin (Hb), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), and serum ferritin
(SF). Intestinal absorption of zinc and iron was evaluated in a sub-sample of 15 subjects. Zinc
absorption and EZP were determined by a dual-stable isotope method and iron absorption by a dualradioactive isotope method. Statistical comparisons were performed by repeated measures ANOVA.
A significant reduction of zinc absorption from a standard diet was observed from 34.7% before the
surgery to 18.8% after six months, and to 18.5% after 12 months of GBP (p<0.02). Iron absorption
decreased from an initial value of 10.5% to 3.0% after six month and to 2.6% after 12 months of GBP
(p<0.001). Indices of Zn and Fe before surgery were (mean ± sd): PLZn 87.2±11.1 ug/dL, AP
36.7±7.5 U/L, EZP 263.6±33.6 mg, Hb 13.7±0.9 g/dL, FEP 61.1±19.6 ug/dL RBC, SF (geometric
mean) 37.0 ug/L. After 12 months of GBP Hb, SF, and EZP were markedly decreased (p< 0.05). No
major changes were observed regarding PLZn, AP and FEP.
Gastric bypass in morbid obese patients was associated with decreased intestinal absorption of iron
and zinc. Iron and zinc nutritional status were significantly impaired in the patients after this type of
surgery. (Funded by FONDECYT project 1040765).
Category 5: Disorders of Aging
5.P01
ELEMENTS IN HAIR OF POPULATION WITH DIFFERENT GRADE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
Tatjana Lalic 1, and Ivana Djujic 2
1
"Balans Medika", Center for Balanced and High Quality Live (Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro); 2
University of Belgrade,ICHTM-Department of Chemistry (Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro)
Elemental hair analysis provide early information on relations, deficiency or excess of elements and
improve the understanding of pathochemical pathways of disadaptation, beginning and development
of different diseases. As diet and environmental stress plays a major role in thyroid health, here
assessment was extremely useful when multiple causes act in synergy for diagnostic and treatment
strategy. In this study we investigated the concentrations of I, Se, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Al,
As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ca, Mg, K and Na in hair of 72 adult subjects with different range of hypothyroidism.
For diagnostic functional status of thyroid gland and other organs of interest was used bio/resonance
diagnostique and the status of thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH. On the basis of obtained results
most of subjects suffering from low grade hypothyroidism, undetectable by blood tests because
thyroid hormones are inside normal range. Hair analysis data of all subjects with low grade
hypothyroidism showed that they suffer from deficiency of: I, Co, Zn and in lower extend Se, as well
as have excesses of Ca and Mg, and in lower extend Si. Next group represents subjects with mild
developed hypothyroidism, with border values for thyroid hormones. They beside I, Co, Zn and Se
defficiency suffer from Mn deficiency and have beside Ca, Mg and Si in excesses Ni, Cu and K. Last
group represent subjects with detectable disturbances in thyroid hormones function and with highest
extent of disturbances of large number of elements in hair.
5.P02
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ALUMINIUM EXPOSURE ON RATS GENITAL ORGANS AND
SEXUAL ACCESSORY GLAND HISTOARCHITECTURE: THREE GENERATION EXPERIMENT
Alexandra Trif, Florin Muselin, and Diana Argherie
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timisoara (Timisoara, Romania)
The aim of the study was to evaluate the consequences of chronic aluminium intake on genital organs
and sexual accessory gland histoarchitecture. The study was carried out on 28 white Wistar male rats
divided in three experimental groups (E) and one control (C) group. The experiment was realized in
three steps. 1. The individuals from E groups received aluminium as aluminium sulphate in drinking
water as follows: E1: 200 ppb Al; E2: 400 ppb Al, E3: 1000 ppb Al (levels determined in drinking water
for animals in aluminium industry surrounding areas), C: tape water (~ 50 ppb aluminium). 2. Two
males from each E groups were mated with female unexposed to aluminium (ratio: 1 male/2 female)
to obtain F1 generation. During pregnancy the females were exposed to the same aluminium levels;
the males from F1 generation were exposed to aluminium in utero, during lactation until weaning and
than, three month to 200 ppb (E’1), 400 ppb (E’2) and, respectively, 1000 ppb (E’3) Al. 3. The protocol
for F2 generation obtaining was similar to those of F1 generation. After three months of exposure
males from each group and generation were euthanatized and studied organs samples were collected
and for histological examination stained by Mallory method. Exposure to aluminium determined in
testis: interstitial edema, basal membrane desintegration, seminiferous tubules necrosis more evident
in F¬2 generation; in epididymis: interstitial edema, epitelial necrosis and exfoliation; in seminal
vesicles: partial necrosis and epitelial exfoliation; in prostate: prostatic epitelial necrosis and in
individuals exposed to 1000 ppb presence of amyloidal mass; in bulbo-urethral glands: epitelial
necrosis and exfoliation. The histoarchitecture of genital organs and sexual accessory glands were
damaged more evident in F1 and F2 generations.
5.P03
AGE-RELATED ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE WEAKENING IS ALTERED BY LOW SELENIUM
INTAKES
Irini Margaritis 1, Isabelle Hininger-Favier 2, Adrien Botta 3, and Luc Farout 4
1
French Food Agency (Maisons-Alfort, France); 2 Université de Grenoble I (Grenoble, France); 3
Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis (Nice, France); 4 Université de Nice Sophia-Antipois (Nice,
France)
Selenium is a trace element playing an important role in the machinery that protects cell components
from oxidative damage. Numerous studies that deal with long and/or high selenium depletion, report
deleterious effects at the cellular level, associated with an increase of pathologies occurrence. The
aim of the present study was to determine whether a both mild and short depletion of selenium
intakes (-30% during 3 weeks) could alter skeletal muscle and heart cell physiology in young (6
months) and old (24 months) adult rats. Results exhibit an alteration of total selenium distribution
among tissues. Some selenoproteins activities are highly inhibited (GPx, MsrB1), and level of oxidized
protein increased in both skeletal muscle and heart. These changes are exacerbated during aging.
Using a 2D electrophoretic method, changes of protein expression patterns have been also be
observed in these tissues after 30% of depletion of food selenium content for 3 weeks. Skeletal
muscle and heart selenium status seem to be greatly dependent on food selenium contents, and even
a mild short depletions can induce these alterations. In theory, a food contribution lower by 30%
compared to nutritional recommendations intakes is supposed to cover national needs. According to
our results, the question of whether French recommendations, based on nutritional needs, are
underestimated with concerning to aging, can be raised. Further research, clinical experiments,
epidemiological studies, could help and contribute to a high accuracy of estimations.
5.P04
THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEMALE RATS EXPOSURE TO LEAD ACETATE ON SOME SEXUAL
HORMONES
Eugenia Dumitrescu, Alexandra Trif, and Florin Muselin
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timisoara (Timisoara, Romania)
The aim of the study was the evaluation of lead reproductive toxicity for female rats. The study was
carried out on 28 white Wistar female rats divided in four groups, three experimental (E) and one
control (C) exposed lead acetate in drinking water, three month, as follows: E1: 50 ppb, E2: 100 ppb,
E3: 150 ppb and C: tap water (0 ppb). Biological markers, the sexual hormones: FSH, LH, estradiole,
progesterone and testosterone that emphasize the disrupting potential of reproductive function were
evaluated at the end of experiment, by Elisa technique. The estimation was carried out in all groups in
proestrus, where there is a hormonal peak for majority of studied sexual hormones and at the some
hour (around 1 p.m). The consequences of exposure to lead acetate were: no influence on seric FSH
level dynamics; significant increase of seric LH level comparative to C group and physiological limits
and not conclusive variation related to exposure level; significant increase of seric estradiole level
comparative to C group and physiological limits but significant decrease at trebl exposure level
remaining over physiological limit; significant increase of seric progesterone level comparative to C
group but not over in physiological limits and significantly indirectly correlation to exposure level,
significant increase of seric testosterone level comparative to C and not correlated to exposure level
dynamics.
5.P05
THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEMALE RATS EXPOSURE TO ALUMINUM SULPHATE ON SOME
SEXUAL HORMONES
Alexandra Trif, Eugenia Dumitrescu, and Florin Muselin
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timisoara (Timisoara, Romania)
The aim of the study was the evaluation of aluminum reproductive toxicity for female rats because of
poor information in the field. The study was carried out on 28 white Wistar female rats divided in four
groups, three experimental (E) and one control (C) exposed to aluminum as aluminum sulphate in
drinking water, three month, as follows: E1: 200 ppb, E2: 400 ppb, E3: 1000 ppb Al and C : tape water
(~ 50 ppb Al). Biological markers, the sexual hormones: FSH, LH, estradiole, progesterone and
testosterone that emphasize the disrupting potential of reproductive function were evaluated at the
end of experiment, by Elisa technique. The estimation was carried out in all groups in proestrus,
where there is a hormonal peack for majority of studied sexual hormones and at the some hour
(around 1 p.m). The consequences of exposure to aluminum were: no influence on seric FSH level
dynamics; significant decrease (p<0.05) of seric LH level comparative to C group, not significant and
not correlated to exposure level dynamics but physiological limits (1); significant (p<0.05) increase of
seric estradiole level comparative to C group (exception in E1 group where was lower) and
physiological limits, direct correlated to exposure level, higher than physiological limit; significant
(p<0.01) increase of seric progesterone level comparative to C group, decrease inversely correlated
to exposure level but in physiological limits; significant (p<0.01) increase of seric testosterone level
comparative to C group and indirect decrease but not significant to exposure level.
5.P06
THE CONSEQUENCES OF LEAD EXPOSURE ON RATS GENITAL ORGANS AND SEXUAL
ACCESSORY GLANDS HISTOARCHITECTURE: THREE GENERATION EXPERIMENT
Florin Muselin, Alexandra Trif, and Diana Argherie
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timisoara (Timisoara, Romania)
The aim of the study was to evaluate the consequences of chronic lead intake on genital organs and
sexual accessory glands histoarchitecture. The study was carried out on 28 white Wistar male rats
divided in three experimental groups (E) and one control (C) group. The experiment was realized in
three steps. 1. The individuals from E groups received lead as lead acetate in food briquettes as
follows: E1: 1000 ppm; E2: 2000 ppm, E3: 3000 ppm (levels representing LOAEL – Ayar and al. 1973
quoted by Descartes, 1986, double and triple LOAEL for reproductive function), C: no lead
supplement. 2. Two males from each E groups were mated with female unexposed to lead (ratio: 1
male/2 female) to obtain F1 generation. During pregnancy the females were exposed to the same
lead levels; the males from F1 generation were exposed to lead in utero, during lactation until
weaning and than, three month to 1000 ppm (E’1), 2000 ppm (E’2) and, respectively, 3000 ppm (E’3)
lead acetate. 3. The protocol for F2 generation obtaining was similar to those of F1 generation. After
three months of exposure males from each group and generation were euthanatized and studied
organs samples were collected and Thricromic Mallory stained. Exposure of male rats to lead during
three generation determined: in testis: interstitial edema, seminiferous tubules epitelial necrosis and
exfoliation, Leydig cell necrosis, seminiferous tubules necrosis; in epididymis: epitelial necrosis and
exfoliation, basal membrane segmental necrosis; in prostate: interstitial edema, epithelial necrosis
and exfoliation, presence of amyloidal mass in individual exposed to 3000 ppm lead acetate; in
seminal vesicles: partial necrosis and epitelial exfoliation; in bulbo-urethral glands: no important
lesions were observed. The results are similar to those of Murthy and al. (1991) and Boscolo and al.
1988, quoted by Apostoli and al. (1998).
5.S01
SERUM SELENIUM, COPPER AND ZINC IN ELDERLY POPULATION FROM COASTAL AND
CONTINENTAL AREAS OF CROATIA
Jasna Jurasovic, Mladen Pavlovic, Alica Pizent, and Naima Corovic
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (Zagreb, Croatia)
In 1969, our Institute started a longitudinal study on the prevalence of chronic diseases in Croatia.
The sample comprised urban and rural population from two continental and three coastal areas, with
follow-ups in 1972 and 1982. The results showed marked regional differences in general and
cardiovascular mortality. Mortality was the lowest in the coastal region (Island of Vis) and the highest
in the northern, continental region (Virovitica - town and surroundings). Trace element deficiency is
considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, during the 4th follow-up in 2006,
serum concentrations of selenium (SSe), copper (SCu) and zinc (SZn) were additionally measured in
37 elderly subjects from Vis (20 women and 16 men, aged 72-87) and 63 subjects from Virovitica (38
women and 25 men, aged 71-88). The study was performed in accordance with the ethical principles
of the Helsinki Declaration and approved by the Institute’s Ethical Committee. Trace element
concentrations were determined using electrothermal (SSe) or flame AAS (SZn and SCu). Accuracy
was checked using reference material (BCR no. 637-639) and through regular participation in the UK
TEQAS programme. The results showed a significantly lower SSe (p=0.000) in subjects from
Virovitica, whose general health condition and perceived physical fitness was worse than in the
subjects from Vis. There were no significant differences between the groups in SZn, SCu, age, BMI or
alcohol intake. However, there was a significant difference (p<0.02) in the type of alcohol consumed:
subjects from Virovitica drank less wine, but more beer and spirits. Furthermore, they reported
significantly lower consumption of fish and olive oil, and higher consumption of salt, smoked meat,
and coffee. Our results indicate that in addition to several well-known beneficial components of the
Mediterranean-style diet, selenium may play a role in the protection from cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality.
5.S02
STUDIES ON MOLECULAR MECHANISMS IN UNDERSTANDING COPPER INDUCED AMYLOID
BETA AGGREGATION AND ITS RELEVANCE TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Veer Bala Gupta 1, Indi SS 2, and KSJ Rao 1
1
Central Food Technological Research Institute (Mysore, India); 2 Indian Institute of Science
(Bangalore, India)
Many therapeutic strategies have been tried to prevent Cu++ induced conformational changes and
aggregation. We proposed to study the molecular events in Cu++ induced Abeta aggregation and its
dissolution. Abeta (1-40) interaction studies were carried out by employing methods such as Circular
Dichroism (CD), Thioflavin-T binding and Fluorescence quenching measurements, Transmission
Electron Microscopy (TEM), Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE), High-pressure liquid
chromatography (HPLC), regression analysis and molecular modeling techniques.CD studies
revealed Abeta-Cu complex formed Beta sheet. TEM studies showed morphology of Abeta
aggregation induced by Cu++. SDS-PAGE showed chelator molecule stabilizes the monomer and
prevents oligomerization. Thio-T fluorescence studies found metal chelator to be most effective at a
molar ratio of 0.5:1 by incorporating a single dosage at a fixed time. Incorporation of multiple dosages
at different time intervals did not work much effectively. Moreover, the regression analysis was used
to understand binding patterns of chelator. Both soluble and aggregated Abeta were subjected to gel
filtration analysis, wherein soluble Abeta gave a single peak in contrast to aggregated Abeta which
revealed multiple peaks. On addition of chelator, the number of peaks were significantly reduced,
leaving behind one major peak corresponding to soluble Abeta. The stoichiometry of binding is ~ 1.2
with a dissociation constant Kd of 5.3 x 10-4 M and an association constant Ka of 3.84 x 10-5 M as
calculated by mass action plot. The above results were verified by geometry optimization of the
chelator structure followed by molecular docking. The best ligand pose energy was calculated to be –
9.4321 Kcal/mol at a net molecular charge of zero. Hence, we understood a new mechanism of Cu++
induced aggregation of Abeta, and prevention of fibrillation process by chelator.
Category 6: Fetal Development and Pediatric Disorders
6.P01
LEVELS OF TOXIC HEAVY METALS AND ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS IN MATERNAL
BLOOD, CORD BLOOD, AND PLACENTAL TISSUES IN JAPANESE PREGNANT WOMEN
Satomi Kameo 1, Kunihiko Nakai 2, Miyuki Shimada 2, Keita Suzuki 2, Kozue Sakurai 2, Naoyuki
Kurokawa 2, and Hiroshi Satoh 2
1
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan); 2 Environmental Health Sciences,
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan)
We have been performing a prospective cohort study to examine the effects of perinatal exposures to
heavy metals and other chemicals on child development (Tohoku Study of Child Development: TSCD)
in Japanese children. Mother-infant pairs were recruited in an urban area of Tohoku district, Japan. In
this study, we focused to determine the maternal and fetal heavy metal levels such as copper (Cu),
zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and bismuth
(Bi). Maternal peripheral blood, cord blood, and placenta were collected (n=578) for heavy metal
analyses and samples were kept at ﾐ 80｡ C until analyses. Heavy metal concentrations were
determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For undetected samples, a
value of one half (1/2) of the detection limit was assigned. Concentration values were indicated as
median. Cu concentrations were 1284 ng/ml in maternal blood and 537 ng/ml in cord blood, those of
Zn were 4850 ng/ml and 2007 ng/ml, and those of Se were 180 ng/ml and 192 ng/ml, respectively.
Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and As in maternal blood were 1.16 ng/ml, 10.86 ng/ml, and 4.14 ng/ml,
respectively. Cd was detected in 73% of all cord blood samples, with a median of 0.50 ng/ml. Pb was
detected in 100% of all cord blood samples with a median of 9.90 ng/ml. Concentration of As in cord
blood (detected in 99%) was 3.71 ng/ml. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and As in maternal blood
were significantly higher than those of cord blood. Sb was detected in 72% of all cord blood samples,
however, Sn and Bi were detected in only 44% and 7% of all maternal blood, 36% and 18% of all cord
blood samples. In this study, it was found that Cd, Pb, and As were detected in maternal blood, cord
blood, and placenta. However, Pb levels were lower than those of the previous reports in Japan and
other countries. In spite of their use as industrial materials for Pb-free solder, exposures to Sb, Sn,
and Bi were low.
6.P02
IMPAIRMENT OF IODINE AND THYROID HORMONES METABOLISM IN VERY PREMATURE
INFANTS
Stanislav Pavelka
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Acad. Sci., Prague,
Czech Republic (Prague 4, Czech Republic)
Iodine, as an irreplaceable part of thyroid hormones, belongs among the essential substances
indispensable for the proper development of young mammals. The neonatal thyroid economy is
extremely sensitive to fluctuations in the iodine supply from the mother. All preterm infants show
transient hypothyroxinemia during the first 6-8 weeks of extra uterine life and their future fate may be
significantly influenced by the degree of hypothyroidism in the early postnatal period. However, in
neonates, especially in very preterm infants, the relative contribution of peripheral tissues and the
thyroid gland to the total production of circulating triiodothyronine (T3) has not yet been well defined.
In this study, we present our observations on postnatal development of plasma thyroid hormones
levels in normal and critically ill premature neonates. The main focus of this study was on very low
birth weight newborns (470-1370 g; 70 % of neonates <1000 g) with a high rate of mortality (20 % of
infants died within 1 month after delivery). Enzyme activities of all the three types of iodothyronine
deiodinases were followed in autopsy samples from several tissues, to better characterize the
relationships between peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones and thyroid status in critically ill very
premature infants. The results obtained support the view that peripheral tissues of very preterm
infants are involved in local generation of T3, and inactivation of thyroid hormones, but contrary to
tissues of adults and term-born infants, do not represent a major source of circulating T3.
6.P03
CADMIUM EXPOSURE AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN BREAST MILK
Maria Kippler 1, Bo Lönnerdal 2, Walter Goessler 3, Eva-Charlotte Ekström 4, Lars-Åke Persson 4,
Shams El Arifeen 5, and Marie Vahter 6
1
Karolinska institute (Stockholm, Sweden); 2 Nutritional and Internal Medicine, University of California
(Davis, USA); 3 Institut für Chemie – Analytische Chemie, Karl-Franzens-Universität (Graz, Austria); 4
International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden); 5 International Centre
for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDR,B) (Dhaka, Bangladesh); 6 Institute of Environmental
Medicine, Karolinska Institute (Stockholm, Sweden)
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxic contaminant that affects kidney function and bone metabolism
even at environmental exposure levels. Recent studies indicate that Cd exerts both estrogen- and
androgen-like effects. The general population is exposed to Cd mainly via food such as, cereals and
vegetables, particularly rice, since Cd is easily taken up from soil. In general, women have higher Cd
body burden than men, probably due to increased absorption at low iron stores and during pregnancy.
Cd seems to be poorly transferred over the mammary gland, but experimental studies indicate
neurobehavioral effects following exposure via breast milk, possibly related to the elevated absorption
in infancy. In our ongoing studies we are investigating the mechanisms of cadmium uptake and
transport. These studies are nested into the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions of Matlab
(MINIMat), a food and micronutrient supplementation trial in Matlab, Bangladesh, including 4,500
women enrolled in early pregnancy and followed until 6 months post partum. Concentrations of Cd in
urine (median 0.59 ug/L, N=890) and blood (1.2 µg/kg, N=296) collected in early pregnancy showed
that the Matlab women have elevated exposure, probably mainly via food, rice being the main staple
food. Preliminary results indicate a positive association between Cd in blood and breast milk
(rs=0.36). Median Cd concentration in breast milk was 0.14 µg/kg (10th and 90th percentile: <0.1 and
0.34 µg/kg, respectively N=199). Further, there are significant associations between Cd and several
essential trace elements in breast milk. Acknowledgements: Financial support provided by UNICEF,
Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) [SWE-2003-201A], USAID, DfID and CHNRI are
gratefully acknowledged.
6.P04
COPPER AND ZINC STATUS IN THE BREAST MILK OF MOTHERS WITH WILSON’S DISEASE
Katsuaki Shiga 1, Fumiaya Kaga 1, Chie Fujisawa 1, Yanhong Gu 1, Kenji Kobayashi 2, Hiroshi
Koyama 2, and Hiroko Kodama 1
1
Teikyo (Tokyo , Japan); 2 Gunma (Gunma, Japan)
Female patients with Wilson's disease can become pregnant and give birth, at which time most of the
mothers want to breastfeed their infants while continuing their treatment for Wilson disease. However,
to the present time, copper concentrations in the breast milk of mothers with Wilson's disease have
not been investigated. Here we report on the copper and zinc status in the breast milk of mothers with
Wilson's disease who are being treated with a chelating agent or zinc. Samples of breast milk were
taken several times from four mothers with Wilson's disease. Two of the patients were being treated
with trientine, a third patient was being treated with penicillamine, while the fourth patient was being
treated sequentially with zinc and trientine. Copper and zinc concentrations in the breast milk were
analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The copper distribution was also analyzed by
HPLC/ICP-MS. The mean concentrations of copper and zinc in control breast milk samples were 28
and 123 ug/dl, respectively. The copper and zinc concentrations were within normal levels in the
breast milk of mothers with Wilson's disease being treated with zinc. Of the three patients treated with
trientine, copper concentrations in the breast milk were lower than controls in one patient, while zinc
concentrations were lower than controls in two patients. In the case of the patient treated with
penicillamine, both copper and zinc concentrations were low. HPLC/ICP-MS results suggested that
copper in the control breast milk is bound with ceruloplasmin and albumin. In the breast milk of
patients treated with trientine, however, the binding of copper to trientine was also detected,
suggesting that trientine is secreted into the breast milk.
6.P05
ANALYSIS OF SOME IMPORTANT TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE PLACENTAS OF HEALTHY AND
PREECLAMPTIC TURKISH WOMEN IN THE PROVINCE OF KAYSERI-TURKEY
Nalan Ozdemir, Zeliha Leblebici, Berkay Saraymen, Burak Saraymen, Recep Saraymen, and Ahmet
Acer
Erciyes University (Kayseri, Turkey)
During pregnancy, trace elements are indispensable for life maintenance not only for the mother but
also for the fetus. Some trace elements are considered essential as they are needed for the life
process whereas others are considered highly toxic. The human placenta facilitates the passage of
some bio-substances to the fetus while at the same time acts as a barrier to other materials. While
nutrient substances cross the placenta barrier there is also a possibility that some harmful substances
may pass through the placenta and can damage the embryo. In this study; six trace elements were
determined in placenta tissues of control and preclampsia patients in the Kayseri province.
Approximately 400 mg placenta samples were digested with 9 mL of 68% ultra pure nitric acid and 1
ml of 35% hydrogen peroxide using a micro-wave digester. Completely clear, colorless, homogenous
digests were obtained, and subsequently diluted with high-purity water to 30 ml. The diluted solutions
were supplied to the determination of six trace elements, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe, by ICP-OES. The
average range of concentrations for trace elements in placenta based on wet weight were found to be
(µmol/g, based on wet weight); Zn: 0.048- 0.55, Ni:0.08- 1.67, Fe:0.032- 2.65, Pb:0.048- 1.58,
Cu:0.031- 5.5, Cd:0.056- 9.75; and Zn:0.018- 0.17, Ni:0.02- 3.68, Fe:0.18- 7.5, Pb:0.034- 3.47,
Cu:0,49- 2.73, Cd:0,045- 1.08, for control and preeclampsia patients; respectively. From the results,
there was no considerable statistical correlation between the concentration of trace elements
observed between the control and preeclampsia patients.
6.P06
EFFECT OF ONE YEAR OF IRON/ZINC FORTIFICATION ON LEAD LEVELS AMONG CHILDREN
AGED 1-4 YEARS
Usha Dhingra 1, Saikat Deb 1, Venugopal P Menon 2, Robert E Black 1, Pratibha Dhingra 2, Archana
Sarkar 2, and Sunil Sazawal 1
1
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA); 2 Center for Micronutrient Research, Annamalai
University (New Delhi, India)
Iron deficiency and lead toxicity are detrimental to early development. Iron deficiency is associated
with lead toxicity due to increased lead absorption among iron deficient children. Study in Bangalore
showed that iron fortification reduced lead levels among lead exposed, iron deficient children. We
evaluated the effect of zinc and iron fortification of milk on blood lead levels and hematological
markers among children aged 1-4 years. In a community based, double masked, RCT a total of 633
children were enrolled and randomly allocated to fortified milk (Mn, n=316) or same milk without
fortification (Co, n=317) for a period of one year. Fortified milk delivered 9.6 mg zinc, 9.6 mg iron, 6.6
µg selenium, 0.3 mg copper, 1110 IU vitamin A, 48 mg vitamin C, 8.1 mg vitamin E per day. Venous
blood sample was collected at baseline and at end study. Blood lead levels were estimated using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace (Perkin Elmer Analyst 800) at end study.
ZnPP levels which have been previously used as a screening tool for lead levels showed that both the
groups were similar at baseline (Znpp (µmol/g of heme)>200 Mn: 41.7 % , Co: 40.8 %). Fortification
significantly improved the markers of iron status and reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency in the
fortified group as compared to the non fortified group (previously reported) .There was a significant
decrease in mean blood lead concentration (µg/dL) in the fortified group compared to the control
group [Mn:16.69±6.30, Co: 19.52±7.51; Diff of mean (95% CI) -2.84 (-4.15, -1.52), p<0.001].). The
proportion of children with high blood levels (>21.4 µg/dL) was lower in the fortified group (Mn:16.7%,
Co:35.6%). Our findings suggest that consumption of iron and zinc fortified milk in addition to
significant improvement in iron status and anemia also benefit by reducing blood lead levels among
children. Study registration number NCT00255385.
6.P07
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF PROCESSED VS. TRADITIONAL SNACKS, CONSUMED BY
CHILDREN, IN RELATION TO THEIR ZN AND CU CONTENT
Demetra Filiou, Spyridoula Mila, Panagiotis Gorezis, Vasilios Koutras, Angelos Evangelou, and
Vasiliki Kalfakakou
University (Ioannina, Greece)
Nutritional status and profile of school aged children and adolescents is nowadays widely affected by
snack foods replacing proper daily meals. Zinc and copper bioavailability is significantly related to
young people’s normal nutritional status and growth, while Zn and Cu deficiency is associated to
developmental deficits. Aim of the present research is to find the nutritious foods among several
snack foods, abundantly consumed by school pupils, in relation to their Zn and Cu content. Thorough
investigation over the products offered in school buffets revealed an abundant variety of industrially
processed snack foods and a very limited number of more or less natural and traditionally prepared
ones. Furthermore the processed snacks were found to overflow the supermarket shelves as well as
the media advertising time. Three groups of 50 snack products of various commercial origin were
analyzed by AAS for their zinc and copper content: 1.bakery products, 2.sugar products, and 3.crispy
products. Each group comprised of two subgroups: A. processed products, B. less processed,
traditional products. Results show that Zn and Cu content, either per packing or per kcal of the
product, are significantly higher in the less processed snacks (B subgroups). Indicatively, mean value
± sd of Zn (µg)/product kcal were : 1A:2.05 ±0.94,1B:5,62±1.75.Less processed snacks (B
subgroups) offer also more essential metals (Zn , Cu) and less kcal per packing compared to highly
processed (A subgroups) e.g. 2A : mini strudel Kcal/packing : 477.36 , Zn µg / packing : 536.77 ,Cu
µg /packing:100.65, 2B:pasteli Kcal/packing:237.60, Zn µg / packing :1980.00, Cu µg
/packing:576.00. It is concluded that nutritious, anti-obesity key foods may be the less processed
snacks providing, closer to dietary recommendations for school aged children, the essential metals
Zn, Cu. Supported by the: EC E.P.E.A.E.K. II “HRAKLEITOS” (61/1783) PROJECT.
6.P08
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF METHYLMERCURY IN THE JAPANESE PREGNANT WOMEN
Hiroshi Satoh 1, Miyuki Shimada 2, Takashi Ohba 2, Satomi Kameo 2, Keita Suzuki 3, Kozue Sakurai 2,
Naoyuki Kurokawa 2, Katsuyuki Murata 4, Mineshi Sakamoto 5, and Kunihiko Nakai 2
1
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan); 2 Environmental Health Sciences,
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan); 3 Human Development and
Disabilities, Tohoku University Graduate School of Education (Sendai, Japan); 4 Environmental Health
Sciences, Akita University School of Medicine (Akita, Japan); 5 Epidemiology, National Institute for
Minamata Disease (Minamata, Japan)
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an important environmental neurotoxicant that is present in seafood and
affects the developing and mature nervous system. We have been performing a cohort study, the
Tohoku Study of Child Development (TSCD), to examine the effects of prenatal exposures to MeHg.
Our objective in the present study is 1) to show exposure measurements such as mercury
concentrations in maternal blood, cord blood and maternal hair, 2) to examine the relationships of
mercury concentrations between those materials. We recruited approximately 600 pregnant women.
Maternal blood and maternal hair were collected perinatally. Total mercury analysis was carried out
by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). MeHg was determined by gas
chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). As the result, geometric mean of total
mercury concentration (and MeHg) of maternal blood was 5.4 ng/g (5.1 ng/g), cord blood was 9.9
ng/g (9.5 ng/g) maternal hair from scalp to 3 cm was 2.0 microg/g. In previous report of WHO (1976),
the hair/blood ratio is about 250 as determined by linear regression. However in this study the ratio
was about 320 in pregnant women presumably due to hemodilution. The hair/blood ratio was found to
be higher at lower mercury concentrations. These finding suggests that the hair/blood ratio of
pregnant women differs from those of non-pregnant women and men, and the ratio may be affected
by mercury concentration in blood.
6.P09
IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Azeddine SEDKI 1, Farida ZAIDA 1, Nadra LEKOUCH 1, Dominique BOUGLE 2, and Pierre AHRAN 2
1
Satellite Centre of Trace Element - Institute for UNESCO (Marrakech, Morocco); 2 Digestive and
Nutritional Physiology Laboratory, CHU (Caen, France)
Micronutrient malnutrition, insufficient dietary intake of nutrients such as iodine, affects the health and
survival of more than 2 billion people worldwide. Women and children are most at risk. Endemic
goiter, which reflects iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in a population, is localized in the Rif and Atlas
mountains affecting the Moroccan population living in these areas. Iodine deficiency impairs physical
and mental development including intellectual capacity. The presence of goiter (enlargement of the
thyroid gland) reflects significant iodine deficiency in a population. An epidemiological survey of iodine
deficiency disorders conducted in two regions of Marrakech in 2003-2004 involving 1,544 subjects
aged 10-50 years showed a goiter prevalence of 38% in the Ourika area and 30% in the Tahanouate
area. Urinary iodine excretion indicated severe (21%), mild (24%) and moderate (18%) iodine
deficiency in the mountain population. Goiter prevalence was higher among females than males. This
study found urinary iodine levels among goitrous and non-goitrous individuals from endemic
Marrakech to be lower compared to those of individuals from the non-endemic region of Casablanca.
Moreover, analysis of the iodine content of cereals, drinking water, sea and rock salt, and cow and
breast milk was found to be low. Results found goiter prevalence among children to be 28%. More
than 21 % of 281 urine samples showed severe iodine deficiency. Cretinism was also present in some
endemic areas. The data collected during this survey provides support for the salt iodation campaign
currently in progress in Morocco.
6.S01
INCREASED CADMIUM ABSORPTION IN IRON SUPPLEMENTED SUCKLING PIGLETS
Helena Öhrvik 1, Agneta Oskarsson 1, Thomas Lundh 2, Staffan Skerfving 2, and Jonas Tallkvist 1
1
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Uppsala, Sweden); 2 Lund University Hospital (Lund,
Sweden)
There are indications that newborns are more susceptible to cadmium toxicity than adults and it is
therefore important to minimize the cadmium exposure at young age. Cadmium is believed to be
absorbed from the intestine by the iron transporters DMT1 and FPN1, and there are indications that
also MT is involved. In adolescents and adults low iron status is known to increase the uptake of
cadmium. In the present study suckling piglets were used to examine whether iron status influences
cadmium absorption in newborns and the possible roles of DMT1 and FPN1 as well as MT in this
process. An oral cadmium dose (20 µg Cd/kg body weight) was given daily for six consecutive days
on postnatal days (PNDs) 10-15 to iron supplemented and iron deficient piglets. Cadmium levels in
blood and kidneys were measured on PND 16 by ICP-MS as indicators of cadmium absorption. A
statistically significant increased growth, which was not affected by cadmium, was observed in iron
supplemented piglets. In contrast to what was expected, higher cadmium absorption was observed in
the iron supplemented piglets compared to the iron deficient ones. In kidneys the cadmium
concentration was increased two fold in the iron supplemented as compared to the iron deficient
piglets. Median cadmium levels in blood were also higher in iron supplemented piglets, although not
statistically significant. However, a positive significant correlation between cadmium in blood and
kidneys were seen. Localization and quantitative expression of duodenal DMT1, FPN1 and MT were
not affected by iron status, indicating that the increased cadmium absorption in the suckling newborn
after iron supplementation is due to other mechanisms. In conclusion, our results indicate that iron
supplementation to suckling newborns increases cadmium uptake and that the investigated
transporters are not involved in the process at this young age.
6.S02
RED-CELL TRACE MINERALS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Joan Jory 1, and Woody McGinnis 2
1
Joan Jory, MSc, PhD, RD (Guelph, Canada); 2 Woody McGinnis, MD (Ashland, Oregon, USA)
Abnormalities in mineral-dependent antioxidant enzymes in children with autism raise interest in the
determination of trace mineral status in this population. A cross sectional investigation of red cell
mineral levels was carried out among 20 children with autism and 15 controls. Children with autism
demonstrated significantly lower red cell selenium (p<0.0006) and higher molybdenum (p<0.01) than
the controls. There was a trend toward lower red cell zinc, and higher cobalt and vanadium, among
the children with autism. There were no differences in red cell levels of chromium, copper,
manganese, or magnesium. These findings confirm an earlier report of low red cell selenium in
autism, and support a role for decreased trace mineral status in oxidative stress in autism through
alteration of selenium-dependent antioxidant enzymes and increased lipid peroxidation.
6.S03
CONSUMPTION OF MILK FORTIFIED WITH IRON, ZINC AND TRACE AMOUNTS OF COPPER
FOR 1 YEAR: EFFECTS ON COPPER STATUS AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN
Girish Hiremath 1, Sunil Sazawal 1, Usha Dhingra 1, Saikat Deb 1, Pratibha Dhingra 2, Archana Sarkar
2
, Venugopal P Menon 2, and Robert E Black 1
1
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA); 2 Center for Micronutrient Research,Annamalai
University (New Delhi, India)
With demonstrated benefits of supplemental zinc on morbidities, most developing countries may
initiate national programs to provide additional iron and zinc to young children. However, there are
concerns that supplemental iron or zinc can interfere with the copper status. It is not clear if
supplementing iron and zinc for a prolonged duration has any effect on the copper status among
young children. In a randomized, double masked, community based trial among 1-3 years old
children, we compared the effects of daily consumption of fortified milk (Mn; providing 10 mg/day, zinc
10 mg/day, and copper 0.3 mg/day) to non-fortified milk (Co) for 1 year, on copper status. Venous
blood samples were drawn at enrollment and after 1 year of supplementation. Blood samples were
run through the coulter counter for hematological counts, and serum copper (SCu) levels were
estimated in triplicate using AAS with graphite furnace platform. Children in both groups (Mn: n=122;
Co: n=121) were comparable for baseline characteristics, including SCu levels. Significant
improvement in iron stores and anemia has been reported elsewhere. Neutropenia typically
associated with copper deficiency was not observed. Compared to their baseline levels, the mean
SCu levels among children in Co group increased by 16.96 µg/dL (SD: ± 50.42), and that for Mn
group showed only a modest increase of 3.97 µg/dL (SD: ± 43.27). At end-study, although compared
to children in Co group, children in Mn group on an average had SCu levels lower by 7.89 µg/dL (95%
CI: 2.42 – 13.53; p=0.005), Mn group had significantly lower proportion of copper deficient children
defined as SCu levels < 70 µg/dL [Mn: 3.2 % vs. Co: 9.1%; p=0.05].The study provides evidence that
adding trace amounts of copper to vehicles used for long term provision of iron and zinc does not
result in clinical or subclinical copper deficiency and on the other hand, resulted in lowering of high
levels of copper rather than causing elevation.
Category 7: Infectious Diseases and Immune Disorders
7.P01
TISSUE UPTAKE OF MERCURY IS CHANGED DURING THE COURSE OF A COMMON VIRAL
INFECTION IN MICE
Peter Frisk 1, Ylva Molin 2, and Nils-Gunnar Ilbäck 3
1
Research in Metal Biology (Uppsala, Sweden); 2 Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious
Diseases, Uppsala University Hospital (Uppsala, Sweden); 3 Department of Medical Sciences,
Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University Hospital and Toxicology Division, National Food
Administration, Uppsala (Uppsala, Sweden)
Mercury (Hg) has been shown to have immunotoxic effects and to influence the severity of infection.
However, the impact of infection on the normal Hg homeostasis in different organs involved in the
disease process has not been studied. In this study Hg was measured through inductively coupled
plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the intestine, serum, liver and brain on days 3, 6 and 9 of
coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection in female Balb/c mice. The severity of the infection was assessed
from clinical signs of disease and the number of virus particles in infected organs. CVB3 and gene
expression of metallothionein 1 (MT1) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR). Gene expression of MT1 increased and peaked on day 3 in the brain and liver
and on day 6 in the intestine. This peak in MT1 in the liver and brain corresponded to the peak in virus
numbers in these tissues. Furthermore, Hg increased on day 6 in the brain but went unchanged in the
liver, whereas in the intestine and serum Hg tended to decrease on all days of infection. The
maximum decrease, in comparison with non-infected mice, occurred in the intestine on day 9 and in
serum on day 6. An infection-induced increase of Hg in the brain may be due to the peak of virus
replication and the associated infection-induced expression of MT1. Moreover, the decrease of Hg in
serum and the intestine but a concomitant intestinal increase in MT1 on day 6 may reflect a flux and
increased retention of Hg to infected organs such as the brain. The pathophysiological interpretation
of these findings requires further research.
7.P02
ZINC TREATMENT PREVENTS DYSMENORRHEA
George Eby
George & Patsy Eby Foundation (Austin, USA)
More than half, and by some estimates 90% of women experience menstrual cramps during the first
several days of menstruation. Although the uterus contracts and relaxes routinely, during
menstruation the contractions are much stronger producing pain and "cramps". Women with
dysmenorrhea have high levels of prostaglandins, hormones believed to cause menstrual cramping.
Prostaglandins are believed to temporarily reduce or stop blood supply to the uterus, thus depriving
the uterus of oxygen resulting in contractions and pain. One would expect zinc, like the non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat cramping, to reduce the production of prostaglandins. Zinc
inhibits the metabolism of prostaglandins ruling out this mechanism of action, suggesting erroneously
that zinc deficiency would prevent cramping. However, it is shown by case histories that zinc, in 1-3
30-mg doses given daily for one to four days prior to onset of menses, prevents essentially all to all
warning of menses and all menstrual cramping. One hypothesis for a mechanism of action is that a
precursor (COX-2) or metabolite of prostaglandins causes menstrual cramping and not prostaglandins
themselves. Another hypothesis is that zinc has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the
uterus. Improvement in micro-vessel circulation by zinc may help prevent cramping and pain. In
patients consuming 31mg of zinc per day, premenstrual tension (PMT) symptoms did not occur, while
in patients consuming 15mg of zinc, PMT symptoms did occur (P<0.001). Protocols using 30mg of
zinc once to three times a day for one to four days immediately prior to menses to prevent
dysmenorrhea are described and they are recommended for additional study. The side effect from the
absence of all warning of pending menses due to zinc treatment was concern of possible pregnancy.
The United States RDA for zinc appears to be too low to optimize women's health and prevent
menstrual cramps.
7.P03
EVALUATION OF THE OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH BEHÇET’S
DISEASE
Olfa Harzallah 1, Tarek Baati 2, Sylvia Mahjoub 1, and Abdelhamid Kerkeni 2
1
Internal Medicine Department; Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital (Monastir, Tunisia); 2 Biophysics
Laboratory, Medicine Faculty (Monastir, Tunisia)
Behçet’s disease (BD), a multisystemic inflammatory chronic disease, is a vasculitis that can affect
vessels of all sizes. Various mechanisms (infectious, genetic and immunological) could initiate BD but
its exact pathogenesis still remains uncertain. An oxidative stress state resulting in free radicals
excess would be also implicated in BD patients in tissue lesions genesis. Our purpose was to
prospectively study the oxidative status and antioxidant defences in patients with BD in comparison to
a healthy control group. We prospectively enrolled 40 patients with BD (27 men, 13 women, mean
age: 38.8 years) and 40 age and sex-matched healthy control subjects. BD patients, ageing more
than 20 years and meeting the International Study Group (ISG) of BD criteria, were included in the
study. In both groups we studied the malonylaldialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipids peroxidation, the
glutathione in its oxidized (GSSG) and reduced forms (GSH) and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes:
the Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the catalase.
When compared to controls, mean MDA level was significantly increased (p <0.05) in BD patients. An
increase of oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and a decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio were noticed in the
same group (p< 0.001). The activity of SOD was significantly lower in BD patients (p<0.001). On the
other hand, catalase activity was increased (p < 0.001) and also GSH-Px but without significance. An
imbalance in the oxidant status is thus observed in BD patients. In BD, all functions of neutrophils are
activated and so is their production of reactive oxygen species. Antioxidant defenses, would first
increase their activity trying to overcome the FR excess aggression then, overburdened, would
probably fail. A rational strengthening of antioxidant defenses in BD patients should be, in the future,
part of an optimal treatment strategy.
7.P04
ANAEMIA, IRON DEFICIENCY, AND PARASITISM IN CHILDREN FROM A RURAL COMMUNITY
OF VENEZUELA
Zully Benzo 1, Jham Papale 2, Manuelita Quintal 1, Yelitza Berne 2, Mario Torres 2, Ester Gimenez 2,
Manuel Castro 3, and Zuly Briceño 4
1
IVIC (Caracas, Venezuela); 2 Decanato de Medicina. Laboratorio de Bioquimica Nutricional.
Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (Barquisimeto, Venezuela); 3 Decanato de Medicina.
Laboratorio de Bioquimica Nutricional. Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (Barquisimeto,
Venezuela); 4 Decanato de Ciencia y Tecnologia. Laboratorio de Bioquimica Nutricional. Universidad
Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)
The World Health Organization estimates that 2 billion people in the world suffer from anaemia,
principally caused by iron deficiency and often linked to intestinal parasitic infection. The most
affected populations are in rural and marginal urban areas of developing countries. This study
determined the prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency and intestinal parasitosis in a random
population of children under 15 years of age in the “La Bucarita” rural community of the Andrés Eloy
Blanco Municipality, Lara State, Venezuela. The random sample consisted of 31 children < 2 years,
166 children 2-6 years and 204 children 7-14 years. Values for four indicators of iron status are given:
hemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin concentration, serum iron and total iron-binding capacity
(TIBC). The results showed anaemia to be present in 17.2% of the sample and 31.9% with iron
deficiency (33.6% with anaemia, 66.4% without). Parasitosis was present in 79% of the children. The
most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (51.7%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (42.8%). The
youngest group was the most affected by iron deficiency, and the 7-14 year group the most affected
by parasites. There is an inverse correlation between weight, size and age with the prevalence of
anaemia. There no significant correlation between parasitosis and anaemia. Iron deficiency, anaemia
and parasite infection evidently represent an important health problem in this population, requiring
prompt attention.
7.P05
ZINC AND COPPER IN RED BLOOD CELLS, LIPID PEROXIDATION , NUTRITIONAL STATUS,
AND INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN THE PROGRESSION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS
INFECTION
Emilio González-Reimers 1, ANA CASTELLANO-HIGUERA 1, REMEDIOS ALEMÁN-VALLS 1,
PEDRO ABREU-GONZÁLEZ 2, LUIS GALINDO-MARTÍN 3, CANDELARIA MARTÍN-GONZÁLEZ 1,
FRANCISCO SANTOLARIA-FERNANDEZ 1, and JUAN LUIS GÓMEZ-SIRVENT 1
1
Hospital Universitario (La laguna/Tenerife, Spain); 2 FACULTAD DE MEDICINA (LA LAGUNA ,
Spain); 3 FACULTAD DE QUÍMICA (LA LAGUNA, Spain)
Oxidative damage may play a role on progression of liver injury in patients affected by chronic
hepatitis C virus infection. Some trace elements, as Cu and Zn, which are involved in antioxidative
enzymatic systems, may keep a relation with the activity of these enzymes. In addition, chronic virus
C infection triggers cytokine activation, which in turn promotes enhanced lipid peroxidation; since
oxidative damage causes cytokine release, a positive vicious circle ensues. Impaired nutrition may
accelerate progression to cirrhosis. Based on these facts we analyse in the present study the
relationship between nutritional status, severity of liver disease (from biochemical and histological
points of view), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activities, red cell Zn
and CU contents, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and serum levels of different cytokines and
antioxidants as vitamin A, C and E in 66 patients affected by chronic hepatitis C virus infection, who
received treatment with interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. Among several other results We found
an inverse relation between red blood cells Zn and MDA levels (rho=-0.40, p=0.005), but a direct one
with nutritional parameters such as brachial perimeter (r=0.34) and waist circumference (r=0.30,
p<0.05 in both cases), an inverse relation between cytokine levels and antioxidants, and a direct one,
between lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response.Red blood cell ZN and GPX activity at
admission were related to a positive therapeutic response, defined as negative viral replication 6
months after cessation of therapy. Our results stresses the importance of oxidative damage and
antioxidant systems in the progression of hepatitis C virus infection.
7.P06
INFLUENCE OF TOXIC AND ESSENTIAL METALS ON MARKERS OF ATOPY AND
VENTILATORY FUNCTION IN MEN AND WOMEN
Alica Pizent, Jelena Macan, Jasna Jurasović, Veda Marija Varnai, and Božica Kanceljak Macan
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (Zagreb, Croatia)
The combined influence of age, smoking, alcohol, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD),
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in whole blood, blood lead (BPb) and cadmium (BCd) levels, and serum
levels of copper (SCu), zinc (SZn) and selenium (SSe) on atopic status and ventilatory function was
examined in the groups of men and women with no occupational exposure to metals. Markers of
atopy included serum total IgE, skin prick test (SPT) to common inhalatory allergens, non-specific
nasal reactivity (NR) and non-specific bronchial reactivity (BR). Parameters of ventilatory function
included forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), each
expressed as percentage. A significantly (P<0.05) higher BPb, SZn, IgE and incidence of positive
SPT, and lower SCu and NR was found in men than in women. In men, IgE inversely correlated with
SSe (P<0.03), and FVC% and FEV1% inversely correlated with smoking intensity (P<0.0001 and
P<0.005, respectively) and BCd (P<0.007 and P<0.005, respectively). In women, IgE positively
correlated with BPb (P<0.02), and NR positively correlated with GPx (P<0.02). After adjusting for
potentially confounding variables by multiple regression, in the group of men an increase in BR was
associated with an increase in age (P<0.01) and a decrease in SSe (P<0.01) and log BPb (P<0.02); a
decrease in FVC% was associated with an increase in smoking intensity (P<0.0002) and a decrease
in SZn (P<0.05); a decrease in FEV1% was associated with an increase in smoking intensity
(P<0.002) and SOD (P<0.05), and a decrease in SZn (P=0.05). In women, an increase in log IgE was
associated with a decrease in SCu (P<0.05); an increase in NR was associated with an increase in
GPx (P<0.02) and a decrease in SCu (P<0.05). The observed difference in response between the
groups of men and women may partly be explained by different levels of relevant toxic and essential
metals, and particularly their combination.
7.P07
CAN LEG DISORDERS OF TURKEYS BE PREVENTED BY SOME EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS
CONTAINING THE FEED ADDITIVE IMMUNOVET-HBMTM?
NAGY GYULA, KOSA EMMA, and JAKAB LASZLO
SZENT ISTVAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE (BUDAPEST, Hungary)
Fast growing turkey hybrids have been developed, a big breast being a valuable part of the body. The
advantages of intensive body weight gain is often accompanied by leg disorders traced back to the
disharmony between development of skeletal organs, bones, cartilages, tendons as well as skin and
the striated musculature. Birds are restricted in their moving, their feed and water consumption is
limited, while their body weight gain, their mortality and feed conversion rate is increased, as the
profitability of rearing. In the aetiology of leg disorders, deficiency of some vitamins and trace
elements (Zn, Mn, Cu etc.) play well defined roles. The assessments of fast growing animals by trace
elements are nearly identical using a well composed feed, and taking into considerations of numerous
factors influencing their absorption rate depending on the health status of birds. As the AGP-s is
prohibited in EU, the composition of gut micro flora can be regulated only by probiotics, prebiotics etc.
maintaining the right ecosystem of gut flora assuring the normal absorption of nutritive materials.
Immunovet HBM-TM is a prebiotic serving as substratum for the right formation of useful micro flora in
the gut. It contains specific amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Immunovet HBM-TM has also
antioxidants, immune-regulating and roborant effects. Immunovet-HBM™ added to the feed of
commercial turkeys continuously increased their body weight gain, decreased the feed conversion
rate, mortality and leg disorders, compared to the control flocks. A clear relationship may be observed
between the employing of Immunovet HBM-TM and the immune-status of turkeys. The beneficial
effects may be explained by the better immun-protection of epithelial lining of gut, the physiological
absorption of nutrients including trace elements and vitamins, participating in prevention of leg
disorders.
7.P08
INFLUENCE OF SELENIUM AND EIMERIA TENELLA INFECTION ON ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN
CHICKS: STATUS AND RESISTANCE AGAINST INFECTIONS
Sophie ERMIDOU-POLLET 1, Margarita GABRASHANSKA 2, V. Koinarski 3, St. Denev 4, Serge Pollet
5
, and M. Anisimova 2
1
University of Athens (Nea-Makri, Greece); 2 Institute of Experimetal Pathology and Parasitology,
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Sofia, Bulgaria); 3 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University
(Stara Zagora, Bulgaria); 4 4Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University (Stara Zagora, Bulgaria); 5 HTES
(Athens, Greece)
The effect of selenium-yeast (Sel-plex 50, Alltech) on the antioxidant defense system (vitamins E, C,
A, and Se content and Se-GPx-activity) in chicks experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella
(Protozoa) was studied by us. The study was performed on 100 broiler chicks divided into 4 groups:
1gr.–control, 2nd–control and supplemented with Sel-plex, 3-rd gr.–infected with E. tenella and 4th
gr.–infected with E. tenella and supplemented with Sel-plex. The chicks were fed a standard diet
without antibiotics and coccidiostats. The second and forth groups were fed on the diet to which Sel-
plex 50 was added-0.3 mg/kg diet. The third and fourth groups were infected with 10.84 sporulated E.
tenella oocysts. Serum and liver Se content was determined by a fluorimetric method. The content of
liver vitamins C, E and A was established by HPLC systems. Serum Se-GPx activity was determined
spectrophotometrically. An antioxidant imbalance was developed due to the E. tenella infection. It was
expressed by reduced vitamins A, C and E levels, as well as Se content and reduced GPx-activity.
The Sel-plex administration almost restored vitamin E and Se losses and increased GPx-activity in
the infected chickens. The observed changes in the small intestine, lesions and oocyst indices, body
weight gain and feed conversion ratio were indicative for a severe E. tenella infection. They were
correlated with oxidative stress. Administration of Sel-plex resulted in significant increase in weight
gain, improved feed conversion ratios and increased GPx-activity, Se and vitamin E liver level in the
control and infected chicks. The oocyst and lesion indices were slightly reduced after the treatment in
the infected chicks. The experiment was approved by the Committee on Animal Experimentation at
Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria and was performed according to the recommendations of
the Directive 86/609/EC.
7.S01
EFFECTS OF COCKTAIL ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTATION ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN AIDS
TUOMAS WESTERMARCK 1, Melita Sauka 2, Guntar Selga 3, Andrejs Skesters 3, Mohammad
Abdulla 4, and Faik Atroshi 5 1 Rinnekoti Research Center (Espoo, Finland); 2 NGO”AGIHAS” (Riga,
Latvia); 3 Riga Stradins University,( Latvia); 4 UNESCO, Lyon, France; 5 Pharmacology & Toxicology,
ELTDK, University of Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland)
Infection of HIV/AIDS is a worldwide problem of increasing magnitude. Epidemiological studies have
shown an inverse relationship between antioxidants intake and the incidence of the disease.
Nutritional problems in patients with HIV/AIDS may be due to several mechanisms working
independently or synergistically. The most effective role the clinician can play in the nutritional care of
these patients is close surveillance of nutritional complications over time and with evolving medical
therapy. Twenty four Latvian male volunteers were HIV-infected outpatients (age 35, 3+/ - 0.5). None
of the screened subjects had C4 T cell counts less than 200 cells in microlitre of blood, none had
active opportunistic infections or malignancies, all were readily mobile. 10 uninfected control males
were similar in age to the HIV-infected group. HIV-infected subjects were treated additionally with
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), L-Carnitine 500 mg/day, Bio-Selenium+Zinc that contains: A-vitamin 1000
microgram, B6-vitamin 2.2 mg,Vitamin C 90mg, Vitamin E 15 mg, Zinc 15 mg and selenium (Organic)
100 microgram, each for six weeks. Significant decrease of fMLP stimulated PMNL
chemiluminescence (p<0.05) confirms the antioxidative properties. Serum concentration of selenium
increased after CoQ10 treatment. Monitoring antioxidant enzymes and other metabolic changes in
patients with HIV infection is recommended. The supplementation of antioxidants is worth applying to
HIV patients.
7.S02
CURRENT CLINICAL PRACTICES FOR TRACE ELEMENTS SUPPLEMENTATION IN FRENCH
BURN CENTRES
Yves Chancerelle 1, Sophie Spadoni 2, Laurence Touvard 1, Herve Carsin 3, and Diane Agay 1
1
CRSSA (la Tronche, France); 2 ESSA (Bron, France); 3 CTB Percy (Clamart, France)
Severely burned patients need a particularly heavy resuscitation treatment in a specialized burn
center (BC). In case of thermal injury, the oxidative stress increases the production of free radicals
whereas the antioxidant defenses collapse, generating deleterious tissue damages. As the trace
elements are known to be involved in antioxidant defense, immunity and cicatrisation, their
supplementation should be taken into account in the entire nutritional status of the burned patients. To
evaluate the place of these micronutrients in the therapeutic constant care of severe burned patients,
we choose to analyse the current clinical practices of the trace element supplementation by
submitting a survey to the 24 French specialized BC. The BC participation rate to our survey reflects
the interest of the medical practioners in the supplementation of severe burned patients, but it
underlines that trace element supplementation is still often too limited according to the expected
clinical benefit in relation with the previous published studies. The professional practices differ from
each other and generally remain quantitatively too restricted for responding to the severe burned
patient specific needs. Complementary workshops are necessary in order to define consensual
practices and to lead the pharmaceutical laboratories to adapt the patent medicines to the specific
needs of the BC patients.
7.S03
WITHDRAWN
7.S04
IRON HOMEOSTASIS IS CHANGED IN CHLAMYDOPHILA PNEUMONIAE INFECTED TISSUES
Marie Edvinsson 1, Peter Frisk 1, Eva Hjelm 1, Goran Friman 1, Christina Nystrom-Rosander 2, and
Nils-Gunnar Ilback 1
1
Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden); 2 Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden)
Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) might be involved in the pathogenesis of some chronic
conditions including atherosclerosis. Like many bacteria, C. pneumoniae need iron (Fe) but it is not
known if infections affect gastrointestinal uptake and uptake in infected tissues of trace elements.
Consistent responses during infection are a decrease in plasma levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) and
an increase in copper (Cu). Aim: To study changes of Fe in serum, heart, liver and intestine during C.
pneumoniae infection and if these are associated with changes in bacterial replication. Adult female
C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups; six mice in each group. Three groups were infected
with C. pneumoniae and one group was sham-inoculated with SPG. On days 2, 5 and 8, six infected
and two sham-inoculated mice were sacrificed. Whole blood and tissue samples from heart, liver and
intestine were collected. Fe in tissues and Fe and Cu/Zn ratio in serum were measured by inductively
coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bacterial DNA in blood, heart and liver and bacterial
mRNA in liver were measured with real-time PCR. Clinical signs of disease and serum Cu/Zn ratio
peaked on day 5. During the infection, Fe decreased in serum, increased in the liver, tended to
increase in the heart, but was unchanged in the intestine. In the blood, C. pneumoniae was only
detected on day 2. Bacterial DNA peaked on day 2 in the heart and on day 5 in the liver, but the
number of mice positive for C. pneumoniae in the liver was highest on day 8, with all mice positive.
Viable bacteria in the liver was highest on day 8 which was associated with an increased Fe
concentration in the liver. The pattern of infection-induced changes in Fe in all studied compartments
support the hypothesis that Fe is pivotal for bacterial growth. It remains to be shown whether Fe has a
role in the development of chronic C. pneumoniae infection.
7.S05
ADDING IRON TO ZINC REDUCED THE EFFICACY OF ZINC ON SERIOUS ADVERSE HEALTH
OUTCOMES AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN MALARIA ENDEMIC ISLAND OF PEMBA
Sunil Sazawal 1, Robert Black 1, Usha Dhingra 1, Girish Hirmat 2, Mahdi Ramsaan 3, and Fatma
Mohammad 4
1
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA); 2 JHU (Baltimore, USA); 3 PHL-IDC Pemba (Pemba,
Tanzania, United Rep. of); 4 amref (Dar, Tanzania, United Rep. of)
Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency often co-exist among young children in low income countries and so
combined Zn and Fe supplementation has been proposed. Iron may inhibit Zn absorption but that
should lead to an additive interaction. In a four celled study, where two arms allocated to receive
supplemental Iron and Folic Acid were stopped by the DSMB due to overwhelming evidence of
increased adverse events, we evaluated interaction between zinc and Iron in terms of effect on
adverse outcomes (hospitalizations and deaths). Compared to the consumption of Fe/FA with Zn,
consumption of Zn resulted in a significant reduction in relative risk of adverse events by 16% (95%
CI: 7% to 24%; p=0.001) and reduction in mortality by 19% (95%CI -3% to 37%; p=0.08). Compared
to placebo children consuming Fe/FA, showed a non-significant increase in adverse events
10%(95%CI: 0% to 22%; p=0.09) and deaths 17% (95% CI -8% to 48%; p=0.19). Our data suggests
that in settings with high malaria transmission there may be a significant interaction between giving
iron and zinc together even at molar ratio of 1:1 which is above and beyond additive interaction and
needs to be investigated further.
Category 8: Molecular Nutrition for the Clinician
8.P01
THE EFFECT OF SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION TO HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS ON PLASMA
GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE (GSH-PX) ACTIVITY AND GSH-PX PROTEIN LEVEL
Bronislaw Zachara 1, Jolanta Gromadzinska 1, Zbigniew Zbrog 2, Rafal Swiech 2, Ewa Jablonska 1,
Ewa Twardowska 1, and Wojciech Wasowicz 1
1
Institute of Occupational Medicine (Lodz, Poland); 2 B. Braun Avitum Dialysis Center (Lodz, Poland)
Numerous authors have shown that Se concentration and GSH-Px activity in plasma of chronic
disease patients (CKD) and patients on hemodialysis (HD) are lower than in healthy people, but there
are few publications on the level of GSH-Px protein in those patients and no reports on the effect of
Se supplementation to HD patients on the level of this enzyme. Se concentration in plasma was
carried out in a group of 40 nondialyzed CKD patients, 11 HD patients supplemented with 200 µg
Se/day for 3 months, 9 HD patients administered with placebo, and 40 healthy persons. Se was
measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, plasma GSH-Px activity was
determined by the spectrophotometric method, and GSH-Px protein level by the sandwich ELISA
method using polyclonal antibody specific for human plasma GSH-Px. Se concentration, plasma
GSH-Px activity and the enzyme protein level were significantly lower in CKD and HD patients. Se
supplementation to HD patients induced a moderate increase in plasma enzyme activity but had no
effect on GSH-Px protein level. The reduced activity and level of the enzyme was not due to Se
deficiency. A lower synthesis of plasma GSH-Px means that the damaged kidney of CKD patients is
not able to synthesize GSH-Px, even after induction with selenium. Since activity and level of plasma
GSH-Px are always significantly lower in CKD patients compared with healthy individuals, the
measurement of the activity and the protein level of this enzyme may prove to be an additional
biomarker useful in the diagnosis of kidney damage in this group of patients.
8.P02
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS FOR ATYPICAL PATIENTS AND CARRIERS WITH WILSON DISEASE
Junko Fujiwara, Norikazu Shimizu, Horomichi Hemmmi, and Tsugutoshi Aoki
Toho University (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism characterized by hepatic and/or
neurological manifestations. This disease is caused by mutations in the gene of copper transporting
ATPase (ATP7B). Wilson disease is a treatable disorder. Treatment involves the removal of excess
copper by chelating agents (D-penicillamine or trienthine 2HCl), and/or blocking intestinal copper
absorption by oral administration of zinc salt. Early diagnosis is very important to improve the
prognosis of this disease. However, biochemical studies are not sufficiently effective for the definitive
diagnosis of young patients,atypical cases and carriers. This study presents the molecular diagnosis
of patients and carriers of Wilson disease. We analyzed four patients and three of their families.
Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of patients and their family. All exons of
the ATP7B gene were amplified by genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then analyzed by
direct sequencing. All of gene analysis was performed under written informed consent. [Results and
Discussion] Two patients, one infant, one carrier and two atypical cases were diagnosed by ATP7B
gene analysis. We conclude that the molecular diagnosis of Wilson disease is very useful for the
identification of young patients, atypical cases and familial analysis. When ATP7B gene mutations of
patients are detected, their familial analyses with ATP7B gene analysis are very easy and definitive to
identify patients, carriers and healthy persons.
8.P03
ROLE OF ZN IN ROPIVACAINE AND NEUTRAL ENDOPEPTIDASE: TOXIC EFFECTS ON
HUMAN CERATINOCYTE CELLS
Evangelos Kontargiris, Evangelos Kolettas, Athina Vadalouca, and Vasiliki Kalfakakou
University (Ioannina, Greece)
Neutral endopeptidase (NEP/CALLA/CD10/Neprilysin E.C. 3.4.24.11.) is a Zn-dependent
metallopeptidase, inhibiting the analgesic effect of enkephalins while expression and overexpression
of NEP results in growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis and promotion of apoptosis by toxic
compounds. Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis on
human keratinocytes HaCaT. Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal participating in various vital cellular
functions. Aim of the present study is to investigate Zn effects on ropivacaine-mediated growth and
viability reduction, apoptosis induction and NEP downregulation in human skin keratinocytes.
Immortalised human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) were transfected either with the expression vector
pcDNA3.1B, currying the neo-resistant gene or pRc/CMV-NEP carrying also the rabbit NEP cDNA via
the DMSO-polybrene method. The transfected cells were selected in G418 for 2-3 weeks, and then
subconfluent HaCaT, HaCaTneo and HaCaTNEP were cultured in serum free growth medium and
were treated with ropivacaine (0-5 mM) with the addition of 15 µM Zn (Zn(NO3)2 ) for 48 hrs. Cell
proliferation ,viability, DNA fragmentation and protein expression were processed. Zn (15 µM)
inhibited cell growth and viability reduction and apoptosis induction by ropivacaine (0.5 and 1 mM)
possibly by direct or indirect inhibition of caspase activation, in HaCaT cells. Ropivacaine (1-5 mM)
downregulated the protein expression of NEP in HaCaT cells indicating that its analgesic effect may
be exerted via the release of enkephalin action. NEP overexpression caused reduction of cell growth
and viability and also induction of apoptosis which was reinforced by ropivacaine (0.5-5 mM) and was
not inhibited by Zn (15 µM), in HaCaT cells. Zinc may play a protective role against toxic effects
expressed by exogenous or endogenous factors involved in pain pathways of the human body.
8.S01
MUTATION ANALYSIS IN FRENCH WILSON DISEASE PATIENTS: IDENTIFICATION OF
PREVALENT SUBSTITUTION AND ELEVEN NOVEL MUTATIONS IN THE ATP7B GENE
Muriel BOST (1, 2, 3), Guénaelle PIGUET-LACROIX (2, 3), Martine PELOSSE 3, Rodica GINCUL 3,
Emmanuel BROUSSOLLE (3, 4), Jing XIE-BRUSTOLIN (3, 4), Jérôme DUMORTIER (3, 5), Alain
LACHAUX (3, and 6)
1
Trace Element - Institute for UNESCO (Lyon, France); 2 Neurogénétique moléculaire, Centre de
Biologie, Groupe Hospitalier Est (Lyon, France); 3 Centre de Référence Maladie de Wilson,
Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot (Lyon, France); 4 Service de Neurologie, Hôpital
Neurologique (Lyon, France); 5 Fédération des spécialités digestives, Hôpital Edouard Herriot (Lyon,
France); 6 Unité d'Hépatogastroentérologie infantile, Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Edouard
Herriot (Lyon, France)
Wilson disease (WND), an autosomal recessive disorder of copper transport shows wide genotypic
and phenotypic variability with hepatic and/or neurological and even psychiatric symptoms. The WND
gene, ATP7B, encodes a copper (Cu) transporting ATPase that is involved in the transport of Cu into
plasma protein ceruloplasmin and in the excretion of Cu from hepatocytes. ATP7B mutations result in
copper storage in liver and brain. Mutation analysis was carried out on 67 unrelated French WD
patients (with written informed consent) presenting hepatic or neurological forms of the illness. Direct
sequencing of the 21 exons and their flanking introns were performed on an AB 3130 or 3730 Genetic
Analyser equipped with seqscape software. In our WD population, 41 variants were identified, with
prevalent mutations as p.M769H (exon 8), p.H1069Q (exon 14) and p.I1148T (exon 16) and 11 novel
mutations, 6 missense mutations (p.A553E, p.W779C, p.K1020R, p.M1025K, p.G1287R, p.G1281D),
1 splice site mutation (c.1285-2A>G), 4 deletions (c.1738_1739delAC, c.1742_1743delA, c.3926delC,
p.I1161F-fs). Most of them had strong support as disease-causing mutations, based on absence in
100 controls and pathogenic prediction on internet sites. Direct sequencing for ATP7B mutation
analysis is feasible and leads to the detection of about 90 % of mutated chromosomes. Molecular
diagnosis of WD is very useful in clinical practice to confirm or support clinical and/or biochemical
suspicion.
8.S02
IDENTIFICATION OF ATP7A MUTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MENKES DISEASE
Chie Fujisawa 1, Hiroko Kodama 1, Katsuaki Shiga 1, YanHong Gu 2, and Fumiaya Kaga 1
1
Teikyo University School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan); 2 National Center for Child Health and
Development (Tokyo, Japan)
Menkes disease (MD) is an X-linked recessive disorder of copper metabolism characterized by
progressive neurological degeneration and connective tissue abnormalities. The disease is caused by
mutations in the ATP7A gene, which encodes a copper-transporting P-type ATPase. ATP7A is a large
gene, and consists of 23 exons spanning a genomic region of about 150 kbp. We examined mutations
in the ATP7A gene in 46 unrelated patients and 1 related patient with MD. Furthermore, carrier
detection was performed in 22 mothers of the patients, and prenatal/neonatal diagnosis was
performed in 7 male siblings. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood lymphocytes,
cultured fibroblasts or amniocytes, and amplified by PCR. The direct sequencing of exons was
performed with a 3700 DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Forty different mutations were identified
in the 43 patients; 10 nonsense mutations, 6 missense mutation, 10 splice-site mutations, and 14
insertion/deletion mutations. Most ATP7A mutations in these patients were identified in important
functional/structural domains of protein products such as copper binding domains, transmembrane
domains, CPC motif, and ATP binding domains. Eighteen of 22 mothers of patients (77.3%) were
carriers of Menkes disease, while 5 mothers (22.7%) were not carriers. Four of the 7 siblings (57.1%)
that underwent prenatal/neonatal diagnosis suffered from Menkes disease. These results indicate that
gene analysis is useful for the early diagnosis of MD and for quality of life of patients and families.
8.S03
IRON AND COPPER TOXICITY IN HEREDITARY DISEASES
Jan Aaseth 1, Ole Andersen 2, Trond Peder Flaten 3, and Kristin Gellein 3
1
Sykehuset Innlandet (Kongsvinger, Norway); 2 Roskilde University (Roskilde, Denmark); 3
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway)
Hereditary deposition of iron (primary haemochromatosis) or copper Wilson's disease) are autosomal
recessive metabolic diseases characterized by progressive liver pathology and subsequent
involvement
of various other organs. The prevalence of primary haemochromatosis is approximately 0.5%, about
200 times higher than the prevalence of Wilson's disease. The two diseases are characterized by
homozygous occurrences of mutations in the HFE gene on chromosome 6 (primary
haemochromatosis) and the ATP7B gene on chromosome 13 (Wilson's disease). Unlike most other
inherited conditions, these diseases can be successfully treated, emphasizing the importance of early
diagnosis. Serum ferritin values, transferrin saturation and genetic analysis are used when diagnosing
haemochromatosis. The diagnostics of Wilson's disease depends on the use of urinary copper
values, serum ceruloplasmin and liver biopsy. If untreated, both of these genetic diseases result in
rapidly progressing multiorgan damage and early death. The key treatment for haemochromatosis is
phlebotomy, for Wilson's disease chelation or Zn treatment. Another recently discovered disease
entity (Skogholts disease) is characterized by excessive amounts of copper and iron entering the
cerebrospinal fluid apparently as protein chelates, involving that toxic amounts of the metals may be
redistributed to vulnerable binding sites on myelin, thus inducing the demyelination characterizing the
latter disease. Although the present treatments of iron and copper deposition considerably improve
the prognosis of patients, they may be inadequate in patients diagnosed so late that extensive body
deposits of metal have been developed. The main research needs in this field are to further clarify
molecular mechanisms of disease progression and to develop new chelators that are more effective
and less toxic than those presently available.
8.S04
DIETARY ORIGIN OF SIMULTANEOUS DEFICIENCY OF ZINC AND IRON IN HUMANS
Katsuhiko Yokoi 1, Harold H. Sandstead 2, Norman G. Egger 3, Nancy W. Alcock 2, V. M. Sadagopa
Ramanujam 2, Hari H. Dayal 2, and James G. Penland 4
1
Seitoku University Graduate School (Matsudo, Japan); 2 PM&CH, University of Texas Medical
Branch (Galveston, TX, USA); 3 General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA); 4
Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (Grand Forks, ND, USA)
The simultaneous occurrence of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies in humans is a worldwide health
problem. Although the etiology is not established, circumstantial evidence supports the hypothesis
that the simultaneous deficiency is derived from dietary practice. As an illustration, red meat contains
both bioavailable Zn and Fe; phytate in unrefined cereals, bran and pulses inhibits absorption of both
Zn and Fe. However it is not established that low Fe stores per se or Fe deficiency anemia conjecture
low Zn status. Therefore our objective was to identify relationships between Zn and Fe status in
premenopausal women without anemia. We also examined the contribution of food frequencies and
menstrual blood loss to Zn and Fe status. The subjects were 33 apparently healthy premenopausal
women without anemia living in Galveston, TX, USA and nearby communities, who were not taking
nutritional supplements containing Zn or Fe, or oral contraceptives. Main outcomes were Zn kinetic
parameters based on the three-compartment mammillary model, using intravenous 67Zn as a tracer
analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and serum ferritin (SF) concentration;
and contributing factors, the frequency of consumption of specific foods, and menorrhagia. SF was
significantly and positively correlated with sizes of Zn pools. The breakpoint in the relationship
between SF and the lesser peripheral Zn pool was found 21.0 µg/l of SF. SF also correlated positively
with frequency of beef consumption and negatively with bleeding through menstrual pads (BTMP).
Similar to SF, the Zn pool sizes correlated positively with frequency of beef consumption, and
negatively with BTMP. Zn pool sizes and Fe stores were highly correlated in premenopausal women.
SF concentrations less than 20 µg/l suggest an increased risk of low Zn nutriture. Supported by US
Department of Defense Army grant DAMD 17-95-C-5112 and accepted for publication in the British
Journal of Nutrition, BJN-2006-011766R.
8.S05
CHRONIC COPPER TOXICITY IN A NON-HUMAN PRIMATE MODEL: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Magdalena Araya 1, Hector Nuñez 2, Miguel Arredondo 2, Fernando Pizarro 2, Marco Mendez 2, and
Manuel Olivares 2
1
INTA, University of Chile (SAntiago, Chile); 2 INTA, U of Chile (Santiago, Chile)
Toxic effects derived from chronic exposure to excess copper are described in patients with mutated
ATP7B (Wilson disease). The magnitude and length of exposure that induces liver damage, a
prominent feature of chronic excess copper, is unknown in humans and non-human primates. We
hypothesize that the first months/year of life represents a risk period to high copper exposure because
at birth, liver has comparatively high copper content and biliary excretion function is immature.
Therefore, increased liver amino transferases and altered liver histology will develop in non-human
primates when exposed to excess copper since birth. We assessed clinical, biochemical and
histological effects derived from exposure to 5.5 mg Cu/kg/day in Cebus apella. Cebus apella of both
sexes, living in an animal house with controlled conditions received copper gluconate in their milk
feedings (Experimental group (GE), n=4) or a placebo with similar appearance (Control group, (GC)
n= 4) since birth, for 2 years. A pilot study defined the copper dose in order to avoid acute effects.
Bottles were ingested to ~100%. Clinical evaluations were performed monthly; biochemical and
histological measures every 4mo during the first year and every 6mo thereafter. The IACUC (following
NIH guidelines) approved the protocol. Analyses of results were conducted in a blind fashion. Animals
remained clinically well and grew as expected. Preliminary data show that during the two-year loading
period liver copper content increased in GE, serum liver aminotransferases showed no differences
between GE and GC and liver histology remained within normal limits at all times. Discussion. Copper
dosing failed to induce toxic effects in liver, disproving the hypothesis. Results suggest that either
Cebus apella is not a good model to assess the problem or that inducing adverse effects associated
with excess copper require special genetic characteristics that render individuals susceptible to
copper.
8.S06
MECHANISM OF SELENOCYSTEINE LYASE: STRICT DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN SELENIUM
AND SULFUR
Nobuyoshi Esaki, Hisaaki Mihara, and Suguru Kurokawa
Kyoto University (Uji, Japan)
Selenocysteine lyase (SCL) is a pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that specifically
acts on L-selenocysteine to yield L-alanine and selenium. The enzyme does not act on L-cysteine at
all. We have recently found that RNAi-mediated depletion of SCL results in significant reductions in
activities and protein levels of the selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase,
suggesting an important cellular role of SCL in selenoprotein synthesis. Therefore, the strict
discrimination between selenium and sulfur by SCL may be a key step in the specific seleniumdelivery pathway for selenoprotein synthesis. However, the mechanism for the discrimination between
selenium and sulfur by SCL remains unclear. ESI-MS analysis revealed that one selenium atom is
bound to Cys-375 of SCL after cleavage of L-selenocysteine, indicating the formation of a cysteine
perselenide intermediate during the catalytic reaction. Spectrum and X-ray crystal structure analyses
showed that L-cysteine enters into the active site pocket but can not form an external aldimine
complex with PLP. The formation of an external aldimine complex between SCL and L-selenocysteine
requires the active-site nucleophile Cys-375. A hydrogen bond, which specifically formed between the
protonated thiol group of Cys-375 and the deprotonated selenol group of the substrate Lselenocysteine, probably directs the formation of an aldimine linkage between the substrate and PLP.
Thus, we showed that Cys-375 of SCL plays a central role in the discrimination between selenium
and sulfur in a substrate and its analog.
8.S07
THE CELLULAR FUNCTION OF SELENOCYSTEINE LYASE IN SELENOPROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Hisaaki Mihara, Suguru Kurokawa, and Nobuyoshi Esaki
Kyoto University (Uji, Japan)
Enzymatic discrimination between selenium compounds and the corresponding sulfur compounds is
important for cells to metabolize selenium compounds without interference by sulfur metabolism.
Mammalian selenocysteine lyase (SCL) is a pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that
specifically acts on L-selenocysteine to yield L-alanine and selenium. The physiological relevance of
the selenium-specific action of the enzyme, however, has remained unclear. To address the role of
SCL in mammalian cells, we have used RNA-interference (RNAi) to deplete SCL and assess its
function in cell lines. We found that decreasing the level of SCL in HeLa cells results in significant
reduction in protein levels of cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (cGPx) and activities of cGPx and
thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Interestingly, mRNA levels of cGPx and TrxR2 were also reduced by
the SCL depletion. Depletion of SCL may cause the insufficient formation of selenophosphate and
selenocysteyl-tRNASec, resulting in premature termination of selenoprotein translation at UGA codon
and degradation of mRNAs for cGPx and TrxR2 via the surveillance pathway called nonsensemediated mRNA decay. We also found that RNAi-mediated reduction of SCL induces cell growth
inhibition even in the presence of selenomethionine, selenocysteine, selenite, or FBS in a serum-free
medium. One possible mechanism is that SCL may function as selenium-transferase from
selenotrisulfide to selenophosphate synthetase either through a direct interaction between the
enzymes or with the assistance of additional cellular components and proteins. Overexpression of
mouse SCL in HeLa cells elevated the activity of cGPx, suggesting that SCL is a rate-limiting enzyme
in the synthesis of selenoproteins. These results demonstrate for the first time an essential role of
SCL in selenoprotein biosynthesis in mammalian cells.
8.S08
STRATEGY OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS FOR WILSON DISEASE IN JAPAN
Atsuko Watanabe, Norikazu Shimizu, Hiromichi Hemmi, and Tsugutoshi Aoki
Toho University (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from defective function of copper
transport P-type ATPase (ATP7B). Copper is accumulated primarily in the liver, brain, cornea, kidney
and other organs. Clinical features of this disease are liver cirrhosis, extra pyramidal signs and
Kayser-Fleischer ring. More than 200 disease-specific mutations of ATP7B gene have been reported.
The mutation spectrum of ATP7B showed a population-dependent distribution. Thus, the strategy for
molecular analysis and diagnosis for this disease should be established in each population. This
study reports the results of mutation analysis performed on Japanese patients with Wilson disease
and investigates effective strategy of molecular diagnosis for this disease. A total of unrelated 55
Japanese patients with Wilson disease were examined in this study. Gene analysis was performed
under written informed consent. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood leukocytes of
the subjects. Twenty-six sets of oligonucleotide primers were prepared to amplify all exons of ATP7B
gene in genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR-amplified DNA fragments were
analyzed by direct sequencing. Gene analyses were performed under written informed consent.
Twenty-one mutations were detected, including one base insertion, one or two bases deletions, exon
skipping and missense mutations in the coding region. More than 80% mutations will be detected to
analyze exons 8, 11, 13 and 18. These four exons should first be analyzed. We will next analyze
exons 5, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17. This is effective protocol for the molecular diagnosis for Japanese
patients with Wilson disease.
8.S09
ROLE OF ZINC TRANSPORTERS IN CADMIUM TRANSPORT IN MAMMALIAN CELLS
Seiichiro Himeno, and Hitomi Fujishiro
Tokushima Bunri University (Tokushima, Japan)
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that causes adverse health effects in a variety of
organisms including humans. Although the role of metallothionein (MT) in the deposition and
distribution of Cd in body organs has been well investigated, the mechanism of Cd influx and efflux in
mammalian cells has been poorly understood. In a previous study, we established Cd-resistant cells
from mouse embryonic cells derived from MT-I, II knockout mice. The Cd-resistant MT null cells
showed a marked decrease in Cd accumulation compared with parental cells primarily due to a
reduced uptake of Cd. Application of multi-tracer technique revealed that the uptake of Mn is also
reduced in the Cd-resistant cells. In parental cells, the uptake of Cd was inhibited by Mn and Zn,
suggesting that the transport system for the uptake of Mn and Zn is involved in Cd uptake and that
expression of this transport system may be suppressed in Cd-resistant MT null cells. To elucidate the
differences in gene expression between Cd-resistant and parental cells, we performed DNA
microarray. Among all genes that belong to solute carrier family and ATP-binding cassette
transporters, expression of slc39a14 was found to be suppressed. Slc39a14 encodes a zinc
transporter which belongs to a family of ZRT-IRT-like protein (ZIP). Therefore, we further determined
mRNA levels of all ZIP family genes, and found that expression of slc39a8 encoding ZIP8 was
markedly decreased in Cd-resistant cells. To elucidate the role of ZIP8 in Cd transport, we introduced
siRNA of slc39a8 into parental cells and examined cellular accumulation of metals. The cells
introduced with siRNA of slc39a8 showed a decrease in ZIP8 protein level as measured by western
blotting and also a decrease in Cd accumulation. These results strongly suggest that ZIP8 plays an
important role in cellular uptake of Cd and that down-regulation of slc39a8 is the major cause for the
lowered Cd accumulation in Cd-resistant MT null cells.
Category 9: Neurological Diseases & Neuropsychological Impairment
9.P01
EFFECT OF VALPROIC ACID TREATMENT ON SERUM CLINICAL AND BLOOD
HEMATOLOGICAL VALUES IN EPILEPTIC SUBJECT SUPPLEMENTED WITH SELENIUM AND
ANTIOXIDANT COCKTAILS
Tuomas Westermarck 1, Elzbieta Plonka-Poltorak 2, and Faik Atroshi 3
1
Rinnekoti Research Center (Espoo, Finland); 2 Provincial Hospital (Rzeszow, Poland); 3
Pharmacol.et Toxicol. department, University of Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland)
We evaluated the efficiency of valproic acd (VPA) treatment on different clinical and hematological
values of epileptic patients supplemented with selenium and antioxidant cocktails. The levels of serum
sodium (Na), potassium (K), aspartate amino-transferase (ALAT), L-creatinine, amylase, C-reactive
protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (AFOS), hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean cell volume (MCV) in
the epileptic patients treated with VPA and supplemented with selenium (Se) and antioxidants. We
also counted the amounts of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes and leucocytes in the patients.
The hospital staff was as the control group. All clinical measurements were made by Cobas Mira
analyzer and all hematological measurements were made by Sysmex KX-21N. Contents of serum
CRP and potassium was significantly higher in the VPA group compared with the control group.
Serum sodium was signifantly lower in the VPA group. Content of thrombocytes was significantly
lower in the VPA group.
9.P02
EFFECTS OF COPPER METABOLISM ON BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONS AND BRAIN MONOAMINE
CONTENTS IN WISTAR AND WILSON’S DISEASE MODEL RATS
Noriko Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Iso, Nobue Kitanaka, Junichi Kitanaka, Daisaku Yoshihara, Tomomi
Ookawara, and Keiichiro Suzuki
Hyogo College of Medicine (Nishinomiya, Japan)
Alterations in copper homeostasis are implicated in the pathogenesis of certain neuronal diseases
such as Menkes and Wilson’s diseases. However, few studies have examined the implication of
copper homeostasis in psychiatric and neurological functions in either normal or diseased mammals.
Thus, behavioral functions of Wistar and Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats, Wilson’s disease animal
model, were compared by measuring the open-field, acoustic startle reflex and prepulse inhibition
(PPI), and shuttle-box avoidance learning tests with or without oral supplementation with copper or Dpenicillamine, copper chelator. Animal handling and care were conducted according to the National
Institutes of Health Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and all experiments were
approved by the Institutional Animal Research Committee. All of the LEC rats, irrespective of the
treatment, exhibited higher locomotor activity, a decreased habituation to startle response or a lower
PPI, compared with Wistar rats. The copper content of all brain regions examined, except for the
medulla oblongata of LEC rats was significantly lower than those in Wistar rats. Besides, in the region
of the striatum and the nucleus accumbens of the LEC rats, lower contents of norepinephrine, and
higher contents of dopamine and serotonin were observed compared with Wistar rats. Although
copper supplementation did not affect the brain copper content, it reduced the PPI in both Wistar and
LEC rats. In contrast, D-penicillamine supplementation decreased both the brain copper content and
locomotor activity, and enhanced the startle amplitude only in Wistar rats. These findings suggest that
an imbalance in copper homeostasis affects monoamine metabolism and behavioral functions.
9.P03
TRACE ELEMENTS IN SERUM FROM PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE – A
PROSPECTIVE CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Kristin Gellein 1, Tore Syversen 1, Eiliv Steinnes 1, Tom Ivar Lund Nilsen 2, Syverin Lierhagen 1, Ole
Petter Dahl 3, Sascha Mitrovic 4, Dusan Duraj 5, and Trond Peder Flaten 1
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 Norwegian University of
Science and Techology (Trondheim, Norway); 3 Namsos Hospital (Namsos, Norway); 4 Levanger
Hospital (Levanger, Norway); 5 Nevrolog Duraj AS (Levanger, Norway)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects
approximately 1% of adults older than 60 years. It is characterized by a progressive loss of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of the disease is still unknown although a
number of factors are likely to be involved in its aetiology and pathogenesis. For example, age and
dietary habits as well as environmental and occupational exposure to chemicals may contribute to the
development of PD. We have performed a prospective study to examine whether changes in trace
element concentrations could play a role in PD. Using HR-ICP-MS (high resolution inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry) we have determined 44 elements in serum from PD patients and
a control group. Samples were collected from patients through The Nord-Trøndelag health study
(HUNT), one of the largest population-based health studies ever performed (www.hunt.ntnu.no). The
serum samples used in the present study was collected in 1995-1997, and all samples were collected
before the patients were diagnosed with PD. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted on
trace element concentrations in body fluids collected prediagnostically from Parkinson patients.
Previous studies have indicated increased levels of various trace elements in blood from Parkinson
patients, but the results have been inconsistent. In the present study, the only statistically significant
difference between patients and controls was a decreased level of Hg.
9.P04
TRACE ELEMENTS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND BLOOD FROM PATIENTS WITH A RARE
PROGRESSIVE CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL DEMYELINATING DISEASE
Kristin Gellein 1, Jon Skogholt 2, Jan Aaseth 3, Gunnar Børre Thoresen 4, Syverin Lierhagen 5, Tore
Syversen 1, Eiliv Steinnes 1, and Trond Peder Flaten 1
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 Municipality of Sør-Odal
(Skarnes, Norway); 3 Sykehuset Innlandet Kongsvinger (Kongsvinger, Norway); 4 Sykehuset Innlandet
Elverum (Elverum, Norway); 5 Norwegian University og Science and Technology (Trondheim,
Norway)
A family in Norway with a neurological disease which apparently has not been identified elsewhere
has been discovered. The disease has so far been diagnosed in 3 generations. It is a demyelinating
disorder affecting both the central and the peripheral nervous system, and it is different from
previously described hereditary demyelinating disorders. The symptom onset varies from before 30 to
after 50 years of age, and the disease is uniformly gradually progressive. The exact nature of the
disease, which has been named Skogholt’s disease, is not yet known. We investigated whether
changes in trace element concentrations could play a role in Skogholt’s disease. Using HR-ICP-MS
(high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), we determined 33 elements in CSF,
blood plasma and whole blood from these patients, MS patients and a control group. Approximately
threefold increased level of Cu, Fe and Zn were found in the CSF of Skogholt patients compared to
controls. Several other significant differences in trace element levels were also found. The increased
levels of CSF Cu, Fe and Zn may indicate an active role of these metals , e.g. as prooxidants, in the
pathogenesis of Skogholt’s disease. Alternatively, because all three metals bind strongly to proteins
and a highly increased CSF protein level is characteristic of Skogholt patients, the increased metal
levels may be a secondary result of leakage of proteins into the CSF.
9.P05
PREFERENTIAL DYSFUNCTION IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS IN ZINC DEFICIENCY
Fumika Kan, Haruna Tamano, Hiromasa Itoh, Atsushi Takeda, and Naoto Oku
University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka, Japan)
Zinc is essential for brain function and zinc homeostasis in the brain is strictly regulated by the brain
barrier system. Approximately 90% of the total brain zinc exists as zinc metalloproteins. The rest is
histochemically reactive, exists in the presynaptic vesicles and is stained by Timm’s sulfide-silver
method. Zinc-containing glutamatergic neurons that sequester zinc in the presynaptic vesicles and
release it in a calcium- and impulse-dependent manner are rich in the hippocampus. The
hippocampus is responsive to dietary zinc deficiency. Learning and emotional behavior is affected by
zinc deficiency. However, the involvement of hippocampal dysfunction in the change in learning and
emotional behavior is poorly understood. In the present study, neurotransmitter systems in the brain
were analyzed using young rats fed a zinc-deficient diet for 2 weeks. The concentrations of glutamate,
GABA and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the total brain were not different between the control and zincdeficient rats, whereas their concentrations in the hippocampus were decreased by zinc deficiency,
suggesting that the hippocampus is vulnerable to zinc deficiency. When the hippocampus was
perfused by the in vivo microdialysis, the basal concentrations of extracellular glutamate, GABA and
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, a serotonin metabolite, unlike that of extracellular zinc, were also
decreased by zinc deficiency. In the hippocampus, glutamatergic, GABAergic and serotonergic
neurotransmitter systems are affected prior to zinc dyshomeostasis elicited by zinc deficiency. In the
open-field test, on the other hand, the frequency of line crossing and the time of grooming were
decreased after 2-week zinc deprivation. The present study indicates that abnormality of
neuropsycological behavior in zinc deficiency may be linked to the preferential dysfunction in the
hippocampus. The mechanism of the preferential dysfunction in the hippocampus is in progress.
9.P06
INCREASE IN DEPRESSION-LIKE BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG RATS DURING ZINC DEFICIENCY
Mika Kawamura, Haruna Tamano, Hiromasa Itoh, Atsushi Takeda, and Naoto Oku
University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka-shi, Japan)
Approximately 50% of the world population does not get adequate dietary zinc. Zinc supplementation
improves neuropsychological behavior in school-age children. Zinc function seems to be linked to
mental function. Dietary zinc deficiency in children is a nutritional and health problem, and causes
abnormal neuropsychological behavior such as lethargy (reduced activity and responsiveness). In the
present study, the relationship between activation of the HPA axis and depression-like behavior was
analyzed using young rats fed a zinc-deficient diet for 2 weeks. Serum corticosterone concentration
was markedly increased in zinc-deficient young rats. When zinc-deficient young rats were subjected
to the forced swimming test, immobility time, an index of depressive behavior, was significantly
increased. It is possible that the increase in depression-like behavior in zinc deficiency is linked to the
increase in serum corticosterone concentration. Furthermore, corticosterone (40 mg/kg) was
intraperitoneally injected into young rats once a day. Immobility time was significantly increased 7
days after the injection. To examine the effect of the increase in serum corticosterone concentration
on hippocampal function, by which activation of the HPA axis is regulated negatively, hippocampal
slices were prepared from zinc-deficient and corticosterone-treated rats and the basal levels of Ca2+
in hippocampal cells were checked using fluo-4 FF. Intracellular calcium signals of zinc-deficient and
corticosterone-treated rats were more than that of the control rats, suggesting that hippocampal
function is altered by the increase in serum corticosterone. The present study suggests that sustained
increase in serum corticosterone concentration not only affects hippocampal function in zinc
deficiency but also increases depression-like behavior.
9.P07
IMPACT OF DIETARY VITAMIN B12 AND FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY AND ANEMIA ON SCHOOL
PERFORMANCE OF BEDOUIN CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL
Rafik Masalha 1, and Zaid Afawi 2
1
Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. (Beer Sheva,
Israel); 2 Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel (Beer Sheva, Israel)
Deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid and iron are frequently associated with
impairment of memory, concentration and learning ability. Deficiencies of these micronutrients are
very rare in Western countries, whereas they are common in developing countries. This study was
carried out to determine the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency and/or anemia on
the academic achievement of elementary school children from a low socio-economic population, i.e.,
impoverished Bedouin population living in southern Israel. Sixty-seven elementary school children, 911 years of age, were randomly tested. Serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and hemoglobin were
measured using automated chemi-luminescence systems. An individual questionnaire was filled out
for each student, which included information on number of meat meals consumed per week, the
number of people in the family and information about the father’s employment status. Significant
positive correlations were observed between number of meat meals consumed per week and low
vitamin B12 levels and attainment of low marks in school, respectively. There was a negative
correlation between the total number of family members and the attainment of low marks in school.
No correlation between anemia or low folic acid levels and school performance was observed.
Despite the small sample number, results indicated a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency
among these elementary school children, which could be linked to inadequate meat meal intake. This
ultimately affected school performance of these children.
9.P08
THE DIFFERENT INFLUENCE OF SOME BIVALENT CATIONS ON MORPHINE-INDUCED
PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE
Mihai Nechifor, Dan Chelarescu, Diana Ciubotariu, and Mihaela Pascu
Univ.Med. Pharm "Gr. T. Popa" Iasi (Iasi, Romania)
We searched for the effect of magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper on morphine-induced
dependence in rats. Physical dependence was induced by administration of progressive escalating
doses of morphine (10 -90 mg/day s.c.) for 11 days at Wistar adult stars. A control group received
saline and another received only morphine (M group). Other groups received MgCl2 1mM/kg/day i.p.,
respectively ZnCl2 0.1 mM i.p, MnCl2 0.1mM/kg/day i.p, Cu acetate 0.05 mM/kg/day i.p for 11 days
together with morphine in doses as in M group. Cation administration was performed 2h before
morphine-administration. In the 12th day, morphine and cations administrations were stopped and
were followed by a naloxone-induced (1 mg/kg s.c.) withdrawal syndrome. Other 4 groups received
only cations in the same doses as cation + M groups and for the same period of time and they
received in the 12th day naloxone (1 mg/kg s.c.). Main symptoms of the withdrawal syndrome were
surveyed for 25 min. Data obtained, statistically interpreted with ANOVA, have shown a significantly
different influence of those 4 cations on withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium (1 mM/kg) decreases
significantly grooming, teeth chattering, aggressive posture and erection. Manganese 0.1 mM/kg
decreases significantly jumpings and locomotor activity, moderately decreased compulsive
mastication but does not influenced weight loss. Copper does not influenced any symptoms from
withdrawal syndrome. Zinc decreases grooming, “wet dog shakes” (3.17±1.47 in the M group vs.
0.83±0.75 in the M+ZnCl2 group, p<0.01) and locomotor activity. Groups that received only cations
did not exhibit any change in behaviour after naloxone administration. We consider that cations
interfere with acquisition phase of morphine-dependence, because changes of intensity in some
withdrawal symptoms were observed after stopping the administration of cations. Variations of
bivalent cations' concentrations might modulate intensity of morphine-induced physical dependence.
9.P09
PRION PROTEIN PROTECTS AGAINST ZINC-MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY BY MODIFYING
INTRACELLULAR EXCHANGEABLE ZINC COMPARTMENTATION IN CULTURED CELLS
Walid Rachidi 1, Fabrice Chimienti 2, Michel Seve 3, and Alain Favier 1
1
CEA/UJF (Grenoble, France); 2 Mellitech (Grenoble, France); 3 UJF (Grenoble, France)
PrPC contains several octapeptide repeats sequences toward the N-terminus which have binding
affinity for divalent metals such as copper, zinc, nickel and manganese. However, up to now the link
between PrPC expression and zinc metabolism remains elusive. In this study, we have explored in
detail the relationship between PrPC and zinc ions using a cell line expressing a doxycycline-inducible
PrPC gene. Radioactive zinc (65Zn2+) was used to explore the impact of PrPC expression on cellular
zinc uptake. No significant difference in 65Zn2+ uptake was observed in cells expressing PrPC when
compared with control cells. This result was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis, using the zincspecific probe zinpyr-1, which shows no global difference in their intracellular exchangeable zinc
content. Furthermore, spectrofluorometry quantification of total zinc corroborates the absence of PrPC
expression impact on the zinc accumulation. However, PrPC-expressing cells were more resistant to
zinc-induced toxicity, suggesting an adaptative mechanism induced by PrPC. Using zinquin-ethylester, a specific fluorophore for vesicular free zinc, we observed a significant re-localization of
intracellular exchangeable zinc in vesicles after PrPC expression. Finally, we demonstrated that PrPC
expression induces metallothionein expression, a zinc-upregulated zinc-binding protein. Taken
together, these results suggest that PrPC modifies the intracellular localization of zinc rather than the
cellular content. Neuronal zinc dyshomeostasis appears to be a common phenomenon in several
neurodegenerative disorders, and prion protein may play a crucial role in zinc homeostasis within the
brain.
9.P10
ZN PROTECTS DERANGEMENT OF ALCOHOLIZED RAT BRAIN MACRO- AND TRACE
ELEMENTS (TE) CONTENT
Anatoly Skalny, and Elena Vyatchanina
Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology RAMS (Moscow, Russian Federation)
Sixty d.o. outbred male rats were divided in 3 groups: control (C), n=10, alcoholized (A), n=6, and
alcoholized and treated by ZnSO4 (A+Zn), n=7. Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd and Sr
contents of the brain cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, sampled after 100 days of experiment,
were analyzed by ICP-OES. It was found that intragastric administration of 2 g ethanol/kg b.w. daily
caused significant decreasing in brain cortex contents of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Sr and increasing
of Pb and Cd. Gr. A+ Zn demonstrated the Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cd levels within normal range.
In hippocampus of Gr. A rats, the decreased contents of Fe, Mn were estimated. But in Gr. A+Zn
there were elevated Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn. The Mn level in hippocampus of Gr. A+Zn was higher than in
Gr. A. In contrast to cortical data, in Gr. A the cerebellar contents of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn were
higher, than in Gr. C. In Gr. A+Zn the normalization of K, Na cerebellar levels were observed. So, the
peroral administration of ZnSO4 (0.06 mg/kg daily) has a significant protector effect on brain macroand TE content in chronically alcoholized white outbred male rats. It prevents Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn
content decreasing and toxic metals Cd and Pb accumulation in cortex, and normalized K and Na
levels in cerebellum, Mn level in hippocampus. Chronic alcoholization causes the significant
redistribution of macro- and TE in the brain: decreasing of essential Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr in
cortex and increasing of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn and Mn in cerebellum simultaneously. Zn treatment of
alcoholized rats significantly increases the hippocampal content of Zn and Cu in comparison to
controls and Ca, Mg, in comparison to Gr. A and C. Possibly, hippocampus is key structure for
regulation of macro- and TE metabolism in the rat brain.
9.P11
EFFECT OF SUBCHRONIC MANGANESE INTOXICATION ON BRAIN MORPHOLOGY AND
MANGANESE LEVEL IN RAT PUPS
Tamar Bikashvili 1, Asmat Shukakidze 2, Nino Chkhartishvili 3, and Ilia Lazrishvili 4
1
I.Beritashvili Institute of Physiology (Tbilisi, Georgia); 2 Tbilisi Medical University (Tbilisi, Georgia); 3
Kutaisi State University (Kutaisi, Georgia); 4 I.Beritashvili Institute of Physiology (Tbilisi, Georgia)
Long-term exposure to excessive manganese (Mn) induced clinical symptoms similar to the ones of
the Parkinson’s disease. In the meantime, the problem of effect of the excessive Mn on the CNS of
the developing organism remains obscure. We have studied morphological alterations in the neurons,
distribution of the neuronal and glial cells, and calculated the glial index, as well as determined the Mn
level in the n. Caudatus, n. Accumbens Septi, n. dorsalis and ventralis Septi, and in the fronto-parietal
region of the brain cortex in the 40-day old offspring of the rats, which 15-20 days prior to pregnancy,
during pregnancy and until one month age of the litter, along with the first portion of food were given a
daily of various doses (0, 10, and 20 mg/kg) of manganese chloride (MnCl2.4H2O). Intoxication
induced evaluation of the Mn level in the brain of the pups and deterioration of the small part of the
neurons and clear-cut gliosis. Mn exposure resulted in a statistically significant increase in cortical Mn
concentration (on average 3 times); Mn tended to increase in other studied brain regions. Histological
analyzes of brain sections indicated two morphologically distinct degenerative phenotypes of neurons:
shrunk cells with indications of apoptosis and swollen cells surrounded by active astrocytes and
microgliocytes with indications of necrosis. It must be mentioned, that in the cortex the majority of
damaged neurons were of the first type, in subcortical nuclei – the second type. However, the glial
index was obviously increased in all studied parts of pups’ brain. We consider that these shifts
underlie the disorders in learning processes and emotional states, in particular the sharp deterioration
of the learning in the multi-branch maze, decrease of motor and orienting-exploratory activity, and the
level of emotional tension of pups.
9.P12
TRACE ELEMENTS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF PATIENTS AFFECTED BY
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES: AN OVERVIEW OF ANALYTICAL DATA
Margherita Speziali 1, and Michela Di Casa 2
1
IENI-CNR (Pavia, Italy); 2 Dip. Chimica Generale Università Pavia (Pavia, Italy)
Metal ions homeostasis is known to be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's
disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dealing with patients
affected by these diseases, accumulation or depletion of some trace elements have been
documented in body tissues and fluids, sometimes with discordant results. Regarding to cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF), the analytical data published in the literature are really non numerous. A few results about
copper and zinc have been retrieved for each pathology; some data of aluminum are available only
for AD, some values of iron and manganese for PD and of magnesium and lead for ALS. As far as
other elements are concerned, the data are even lesser. Most studies have found no significant
variations in the levels of the above mentioned elements in the considered diseases. However, some
authors report a lower concentration of zinc in all the three pathologies, along with a higher level of
copper in AD and PD and a lower in ALS. For iron in PD, an opposite trend has been observed by two
different teams. Many factors can influence the results: criteria for the enrolment of controls and
patients, age, sex, severity of the disease, medical treatments, suitability and sensitivity of the
analytical techniques, statistical tests used to establish possible significances. These variables make
the comparison among the literature values difficult for every matrix. Particularly in the case of CSF,
the paucity of the available data and the large standard deviations of the mean values hamper the
individuation of possible trends in trace elements concentrations. Many further investigations should
therefore be envisaged.
9.P13
ASSOCIATION OF BODY IRON STORES WITH DEVELOPMENT AMONG PRESCHOOL
CHILDREN
Usha Dhingra 1, Sunil Sazawal 1, Archana Sarkar 2, Saikat Deb 1, Pratibha Dhingra 2, Venugopal P
Menon 2, and Robert E Black 1
1
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA); 2 Center for Micronutrient Research,Annamalai
University (New Delhi, India)
Iron deficiency anemia as an extensive pandemic, has peak prevalence among young children in
developing countries. Animal studies suggested a deleterious impact of iron deficiency on behavior
and development markers by duration, timing and severity of the deficiency. In humans the evidence
is inconsistent because of the constraints of small sample size and different criteria used in the
definition of iron deficiency. Recent studies have shown that body iron store is a reliable indicator of
iron status in populations highly susceptible to iron deficiency. We evaluated the association between
body iron stores and developmental indices of children aged 1-3 years in peri urban New Delhi. As
part of baseline evaluation of a randomized control trial, we assessed the iron status using serum
ferritin & sTfr by ELISA and development using Bayley’s Scales of Infant Development II (n=709).
Body iron stores were calculated using standard equations developed by Cook et al. Association of
development indices with body iron store was evaluated in a multiple regression model with
standardized development scores as dependent variables and body iron store, age, socio economic
score, home score, mother’s literacy and nutritional status as independent variables. For all four
models with MDI, PDI, Orientation, Emotional Regulation as dependent variables, iron stores were
significantly associated with development indices after adjusting for above mentioned covariates. MDI
B 0.46 95 % CI (0.21,0.72) p<0.0001, PDI : 0.48 (0.19,0.76) p=0.001, Orientation: 0.33 (-0.05,0.71
p=0.09, Emotional Regulation : 0.29 (0.05,0.52) p=0.02. MDI was independently significantly
associated with age, mother's literacy and nutritional status while PDI in addition to body iron store
was significantly associated with nutritional status. This study indicates a linear association of body
iron stores with both motor and cognitive development among pre school children. RCT registration
NCT00255385.
9.P14
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SELENIUM ON CIPROFLOXACIN-INDUCED CONVULSIONS IN MICE
Filiz Hincal 1, and Tambay Taskin 2
1
Hacettepe University (Ankara, Turkey); 2 Actavis (Istanbul, Turkey)
The quinolones are widely used antibacterial agents with broad spectrum of activity and are relatively
well tolerated. However, clinical experience has indicated a possible incidence of undesirable adverse
reactions including epileptogenic neurotoxicity. Although the incidence is low (~0.9 % to 3.3 %) and
more serious CNS effects are extremely rare, seizures and hallucinations have been described more
frequently in elderly and in patients with known or suspected CNS disorders. Such effects may be
seen even after short-term use, and are more common with high dose and advanced age, and may
also be seen in children. The mechanism underlying these adverse effects is still not well known.
Because quinolones competitively inhibit the binding of GABA to GABA-benzodiazepine receptors,
involvement of a GABA-ergic mechanism is thought to be essential, but the not sole component of the
convulsions. The involvement of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter, glutamate, and reactive
oxygen species (ROS) has also been implicated. In fact, with rat microsomal systems, we
demonstrated the generation of free radicals by the quinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CPFX) by ESR
spectroscopy using spin trapping technique Our previous studies also showed that dextromethorphan,
the selective antagonist of the major excitatory amino acid receptor of the brain, the N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor inhibited completely the cerebral lipid peroxidation, as
well as the convulsions induced by CPFX. In this communication, we present our data demonstrating
complete protection provided by selenium (1umol/kg/d, i.g, 4 days) plus vitamin E (100mg/kg/d, i.p, 4
days) pretreatment against CPFX- induced (257 mg/kg, i.v) convulsions and mortality in mice.
9.P15
HEPATIC AND PRESYMPTOMATIC WILSON DISEASE PATIENTS RELAPSED WITH
PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS DUE TO POOR MEDICATION COMPLIANCE
Misako Inoue 1, Norikazu Shimizu 2, Yoshinao Fujikawa 2, Koichi Mizuguchi 3, and Tsugutoshi Aoki 2
1
Toho university (Tokyo, Japan); 2 Toho univercity (Tokyo, Japan); 3 National Center for Child
Medical Health and Development (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. Copper accumulates
primarily in the liver and subsequently in the brain, cornea, kidney and other organs. The disease
phenotype includes progressive liver cirrhosis, neurological (sometimes psychiatric) impairment,
Kayser-Fleischer ring and others. Wilson disease is a treatable disorder. Treatment involves the
removal of excess copper by chelating agents, such as D-penicillamine or trienthine-2HCl, and/or
blocking intestinal copper absorption with zinc salt. The treatment must be continued whole of their
life. Thus, good medication compliance is very important for good prognosis. In this study, authors
reported three Wilson disease patients who manifested and relapsed because of poor medication
compliance. The onset ages of patients were 11, 13 and 14 years old. Two of them were diagnosed
as hepatic type of Wilson disease. Another patient was found by familial analysis without any hepatic
and neurological symptom. All of them were treated with copper chelating agents (D-penicillamine or
trienthine) and they were getting better. However, they had stopped to take copper chelating agents
for 5-10 years from 19-20 years old. As a result, psychiatric symptoms appeared in all of them. Then,
two patients showed neurological symptoms. All of them lost their jobs because of these symptoms.
And one patient was in a bed-ridden state because of progression of his neurological symptoms.
Their relapsed symptoms were different from first ones. Thus, they delayed to recognize as relapse of
Wilson disease. When the patients with Wilson disease relapsed due to poor medical compliance, a
lot of them show same symptoms with their first ones. However different symptoms appeared in these
three patients. Patients, their families and doctors have to know that Wilson disease presents variable
symptoms. And good medical compliance is necessary for their good prognosis.
9.P16
TRACE ELEMENT FINGERPRINTS OF HUMAN DEPRESSION
Berislav Momcilovic, Juraj Prejac, and Nikola Ivicic
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (IMI) (Zagreb, Croatia)
Depression is the most prevailing human mental condition of unknown origin in the world. The role of
trace elements (TE) in depression is poorly understood. In this randomized prospective double blind
clinical epidemiology study we analyzed the multielement profile (MP) of 41 bioelements (TE) in the
human hair (H) and whole blood (WB) of 48 depressed (D) people (15 men and 33 women) and 48
apparently healthy control (C) subjects (23 men and 25 women). The major unipolar clinical
depression was diagnosed by the DSM-IV criteria. Hair and WB TE MP were analyzed by the ICP MS
at the CBM, Moscow, Russia. By analyzing the individual sequence pattern of TE in the hair and WB
of C and D subjects we found median (µg/g) to be the best representative for the observed data; the
difference of minimum 10% of the median value was considered to be significant. A distinct TE MP
pattern of emerges. Thus, for TE being higher in WB than H: H(C>D)(H<B)WB(C=D): P;
H(C=D)WB(H<WB): Li; H(C<D)WB(C>D): Na, K; H(C<D)WB(C=D): Fe; H(C<D)WB(C<D): Rb. And
for the elements H>WB: H(C>D)WB(C>D): Se, Bi; H(C>D)WB(C=D): I, Zn; H(C>D)WB(C<D): Cu, Hg,
Zr; H(C=D)WB(C=D): Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo; H(C=D)WB(C<D): Be, Sb, Pt, Au, Tl; H(C<D)WB(C=D): Ca,
Ge, Pb;and H(C<D)WB(C<D): B, Mg, Al, Si, Ti, V, Mn, Ga, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba, La, W. Alergogenic
elements Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo were not associated with D;.surprisingly, the major elements Na, K, Ca,
and Mg were increased in D. The large number of elements in category H(C<D)WB(C<D) indicates
deep involvement of metals in D. The sub-analysis of the TE MP H(C>D)WB(C>D, C=D, C<D)
demonstrated the essential role of iodine deficiency in the etiology of D. Depression is a complex
multifactorial disease involving the dynamic interplay between the brain, metabolism, and the TE
nutritional/toxicological environment.
9.P17
ZINC INFLUENCE ON REWARD SYSTEM IN NAÏVE AND MORPHINE-TREATED RATS
Diana Ciubotariu 1, Mihaela Pascu 2, and Mihai Nechifor 2
1
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, ROMANIA (Iasi, Romania); 2 University of Medicine and
Pharmacy (Iasi, Romania)
We investigated the effects of Zn2+ (5 and 10 mg/kg) on morphine (M) induced conditioned place
preference (CPP) on Wistar male rats. CPP is a paradigm investigating rewarding effects of stimuli,
the effect being measured by noticing evolution of animals’ preference over a location as a result of
stimuli application. We used a CPP apparatus consisting in 2 main chambers different by wall aspect,
linked by an intermediary chamber. Communication between chambers may be either open (CO) or
closed (CC). In day 1 (pre-conditioning) animal’s natural preference over main chambers is
determined: rat spends 15 min in the apparatus (CO). Main chamber where it spends most of the time
is considered preferred chamber (PC), the other non-preferred chamber (nPC). Than (days 2 to 9 –
conditioning), rat alternatively receives studied stimuli and saline (CC): in days 2, 4, 6, 8 it receives
Zn2+ (ZnCl2 – mentioned doses), and, 1h after, M, 3 mg/kg, after which it is placed in the nPC; in
days 3, 5, 7, 9 it receives saline, after which it is place in the PC. In day 10 (post-conditioning),
preference over conditioning chambers is again measured. A significant increase in time spent in nPC
during post-conditioning compared to pre-conditioning indicates that stimulus applied in days 2, 4, 6, 8
induced CPP and has rewarding effect. Apart from mentioned groups (treated in nPC, days 2, 4, 6, 8
with Zn+M), there were also groups treated only saline, M and Zn (mentioned doses). Results showed
that M 3 mg/kg, induced CPP (time spent in nPC increasing from 156.4s to 547.7s, p<0.01). Neither
dose of ZnCl2 influenced CPP model (Zn has neither rewarding, nor aversive effects). Zn, 10 mg/kg,
determined a reduction in intensity of M-induced CPP (group treated only with M expressed a
250.19% increase in time spent in the nPC, while group treated with M + Zn - only 184.12% increase,
p<0.05). This demonstrates a possible involvement of Zn2+ in morphine rewarding effects.
9.P18
ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME LEVELS AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
AND THEIR NON-AFFECTED SIBLINGS
Abdelhamid Kerkeni 1, Leila Ben othmane 1, Chiraz Fendri 1, Muriel Bost 2, Guy Chazot 2, Lotfi Gaha 1,
and Anwar Mechri 1
1
Faculté de Medecine (Monastir, Tunisia); 2 Institute for UNESCO (Lyon, France)
This is a case-controlled study carried out on a group I (GI) of 60 schizophrenic patients (46 males
and 14 females, mean age: 31.85 ± 7.6 years), a group II (GII) of 33 of their non-affected siblings (18
males and 15 females, mean age: 31.63 ± 5.4 years) and a group III (GIII) of 30 healthy controls (19
males and 11 females, mean age: 31.23 ± 5.4 years) without family psychiatric history. The biological
assessment consisted in dosage by spectrophotometer of the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes
activities: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and
dosage by spectrofluorimeter of the plasma levels of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
(TBARS). The schizophrenic patients and their non-affected siblings have low erythrocyte activities of
SOD and CAT compared to the control group, with respectively: 1.72 ± 0.41 UI/mg Hb in GI and 1.71
± 0.43 UI/mg Hb in GII vs. 2.46 ± 0.32 UI/mg Hb in GIII for the SOD (p<0.001), and 164.05 ± 36.88
UI/g Hb in GI, 156.88 ± 33.45 UI/g Hb in GII vs. 209.72 ± 42.64 UI/g Hb in GIII for the CAT (p<0.001).
The schizophrenic patients also have lower erythrocyte activity of the GSH-Px than the control group
(28.32 ± 2.22 UI/g Hb in GI vs. 37.91 ±2.4 UI/g Hb in GIII, p=0.008), whereas their non-affected
siblings have higher erythrocyte activity of the GSH-Px than the control group (47.73 ± 2.98 UI/g Hb in
GII vs. 37.91 ±2.4 UI/g Hb in GIII, p=0.01). The schizophrenic patients have high plasma level of
TBARS. A significant difference was found mol/lµmol/l vs. 1.75 ± 0.65 µonly with non-affected siblings
group: 2.15 ± 0.9 (p=0.03). Our results showed a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes activities and
an increase in the lipid peroxidation confirming the existence of an oxidative stress in the
schizophrenic patients. It suggests that GHS-Px would be a protective mechanism in their nonaffected siblings.
9.S01
UNIQUE RESPONSE OF EXTRACELLUAR ZINC IN THE VENTRAL HIPPOCAMPUS AGAINST
NOVELTY STRESS
Shingo Kanno, Naomi Sakurada, Akira Minami, Atsushi Takeda, and Naoto Oku
University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka, Japan)
An animal suddenly placed in a novel environment for a specified period shows a complex behavior
for exploratory activity. This placement is a novelty stress and is regarded as painless psychological
stress. An extensive neuronal activity takes place in the hippocampus during exploratory behavior. In
the hippocampus, zinc serves not only as an intracellular signal factor via the interaction with many
proteins but also as an extracellular signal factor in synaptic neurotransmission. However, the role of
hippocampal zinc in exploratory behavior is poorly understood. To analyze the response of
extracellular zinc in the hippocampus against novelty stress, rats were placed for 50 min in a novel
environment once a day for 8 days. Extracellular glutamate in the hippocampus was increased during
exploratory behavior on day 1, whereas extracellular zinc was decreased. The same phenomenon
was observed during exploratory behavior on day 2 and extracellular zinc had returned to the basal
level during exploratory behavior on day 8. To examine the significance of the decrease in
extracellular zinc in exploratory activity, exploratory behavior was observed during perfusion with 1
mM CaEDTA, a membrane-impermeable zinc chelator. Locomotor activity in the novel environment
was decreased by perfusion with CaEDTA. The decrease in extracellular zinc and the increase in
extracellular glutamate in exploratory period were abolished by perfusion with CaEDTA. Surprisingly,
perfusion with 1 uM tetrodotoxin, a blocker of sodium channels, showed the same effect as perfusion
with CaEDTA. These results suggest that zinc uptake by hippocampal cells is linked to exploratory
activity and is required for the activation of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system. The zinc
uptake may be involved in the response to painless psychological stress or the cognitive processes.
9.S02
METAL EXPOSURE IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS
Per M Roos, and Monica Nordberg
Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden)
Neurodegenerative disorders include dementia of Alzheimer type, Parkinson disease and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disturbances in metal homeostasis or excessive metal exposure
might to some extent contribute to neurodegenerative disorders by interfering with metalloprotein
mechanisms. To estimate body burden and concentrations in tissue or body fluids of metals lifetime
exposure must be considered. Many trace elements accumulate in the nervous system, in connective
tissue or in bone. Adequate sampling includes biomarkers in tissue biopsies and in cerebrospinal
fluid. The variation among individuals, the sensitivity and susceptibility in toxic effect from exposure
needs attention. Epigenetic mechanisms in interplay with variations in the expression of certain
metalloproteins may explain this variation. We hypothesized that metal exposure contributes to
neurodegenerative disorders. We have performed detailed interviews including lifetime exposure to
metals including occupational exposure in 30 patients with ALS and in controls. Occupations are
classified according to standardized rating scales in relation to known metal exposure in these
occupations. Occupational exposures to metals seem to be overrepresented among patients
diagnosed with ALS compared to controls. Many different routes of exposure are represented. The
complexity of achieving valid exposure data will be discussed. Different sampling techniques, the
importance of selecting the most effective biomarkers and the value of cerebrospinal fluid sampling
will be covered.
9.S03
INVOLVEMENT OF ZINC IN SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY AND NEURODEGENERATION IN THE
HIPPOCAMPUS VIA CROSSTALK WITH CALCIUM
Atsushi Takeda, Sayuri Fuke, Naomi Sakurada, Akira Minami, and Naoto Oku
University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka, Japan)
Zinc is released with glutamate from neuron terminals in the hippocampus and serves as a
neuromodulator of synaptic neurotransmission. Neural circuits of the zinc-containing glutamatergic
neurons that sequester zinc in the presynaptic vesicles and release it in a calcium- and impulsedependent manner are associated with the episodic memory function and are important for behavior
and emotional expression. In the present study, the involvement of zinc in synaptic plasticity and
neurodegeneration was examined using hippocampal slices double-stained with zinc and calcium
indicators. Zinc suppressed the increase in calcium signal in the presynaptic (mossy fiber and
Schaffer collateral) terminals induced by stimulation of depolarization, followed by suppression of
exocytosis (glutamate release), suggesting that zinc serves as a negative-feedback factor of
presynaptic activity. Moreover, the persistent increase in calcium signal in the CA3 pyramidal cell
layer during regional delivery of 1 mM glutamate to mossy fiber synapses was significantly attenuated
in the presence of 100 uM zinc, while significantly enhanced in the presence of 1 mM CaEDTA.
Excitation of Schaffer collateral synapses elicited with 1 mM glutamate was also attenuated via
inhibitory modulation of calcium mobilization by zinc. In excessive excitation, zinc may act protectively
for CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells initially via negative modulation of presynaptic activity and
postsynaptic calcium mobilization. However, zinc taken up into pyramidal cells may damage the cells.
The hippocampus is vulnerable to glutamate excitotoxicity, a final common pathway for numerous
pathological processes such as Alzheimer’s disease. The excitotoxicity is linked to the excessive
influx of zinc and calcium. The crosstalk between zinc and calcium via calcium channels such as
calcium-permeable AMPA/kainate receptors may play a role in both synaptic plasticity and
excitotixicity in the hippocampus.
9.S04
BIOMARKERS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND NORMAL
COGNITION
Monica Nordberg 1, Nina Johansson 2, Hans Basun 3, Kaj Blennow 4, and Maria Eriksdotter-Jönhagen
5
1
Karolinska Institutet ( SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden); 2 Department NVS, Section of Clinical
Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge SE-141 86 Stockholm,
Sweden Institute Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Instituteand (Stockholm, Sweden); 3
AstraZeneca, Clinical Science, R&D Södertälje, SE-151 85 and Department of Public Health /
Geriatrics, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 25 (Södertälje, Uppsala, Sweden); 4 Department of
Clinical Neuroscience, Section of Experimental Neuroscience, The Sahlgrenska Academy at
Gothenburg University, SE-43180 (Gothenburg, Sweden); 5 Department NVS, Section of Clinical
Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge SE-141 86 (Stockholm,
Sweden)
Major hallmarks reflecting pathological changes in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are the deposition of
aggregates of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ), tau, and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in brain. Previous studies
have indicated a relation between Aβ depositions and metals with redox activity like Cu, and Fe and
with Zn, which is non-redox active but serve important roles in neurotransmission. The aim of the
present pilot study was to investigate a possible relationship between the concentrations of Zn, Cu
and Fe status in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and relate it to proteins markers such as Aβ, tau, P-tau in
CSF and cognitive function from patients diagnosed with late onset AD. The study group consisted of
32 subjects (13 females, 19 males) > 63 years who were admitted to a memory clinic because of
memory problems, and were diagnosed with AD (case group) or with no objective memory
impairment (controls SCI). Cut-off level was MMSE 28 score. CSF was sampled and analysed for
metals by ICP-SFMS. The CSF median concentration of Cu , Zn and Fe were 13.9, 21.1 and 17.5
microg/L in the AD group which did not significantly differ from corresponding concentrations in the
SCI group which were 12.4, 29.5 and 17.1 respectively. Median concentration in ng/L in AD was for
Αβ, tau and p-tau 351, 819 and 89 and 670, 358, 54 in SCIs. ApoE genotype 4:4 was seen in the AD
group. No strong evidence for interactions in CSF between given protein markers and Cu, Zn or Fe
was seen. A positive correlation between Cu and Fe and tau might indicate a link between tau
pathology and given metals. This study in a limited number of subjects did only to a limited extent
show relationships between studied biomarkers e.g., metals and proteins. In conclusion obtained
results indicate that further studies on larger number of ADs and SCIs are warranted.
9.S05
ENHANCEMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG MICE INDUCED WITH SOCIAL
ISOLATION IN ZINC DEFICIENCY
Haruna Tamano, Kan Fumika, Atsushi Takeda, and Naoto Oku
University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka, Japan)
Dietary zinc deficiency causes anorexia, reduced gain in body weight, and growth retardation. Zinc
deficiency in children is a nutritional and health problem. The stress of severe food restriction causes
the increase in serum corticosterone concentration via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis. It is possible that zinc deficiency activates the HPA axis prior to the decrease in zinc
concentration in the brain and that this activation is linked to behavioral abnormality in zinc deficiency.
In the present study, the relationship between activation of the HPA axis and neuropsychological
behavior was analyzed using young mice fed a zinc-deficient diet for 2 weeks. Serum corticosterone
concentration of zinc-deficient mice, in which zinc concentration in the brain was not decreased in
spite of the decrease in serum zinc concentration, was markedly higher than that of the control mice.
In the open-field test, the frequency of line crossing and rearing was increased by zinc deficiency,
suggesting that neuropsychological behavior is altered after 2-week zinc deprivation. In the residentintruder test, furthermore, isolated young mice were fed the same diet. The rate of mice that exhibited
aggressive behavior to the total mice was significantly higher in isolated zinc-deficient group after 2week zinc deprivation. The duration of aggressive behavior was more in isolated zinc-deficient group.
These results indicate that aggressive behavior of young mice by social isolation is significantly
enhanced by zinc deficiency. Serum corticosterone concentration of isolated zinc-deficient mice was
also markedly higher than of the isolated control mice. On the other hand, none of zinc-deficient mice
without social isolation exhibited aggressive behavior. The present study indicates that the increase in
serum corticosterone concentration is not directly linked to aggressive behavior elicited with social
isolation in zinc deficiency.
9.S06
EFFECTS OF A SE RESTRICTED-DIET ON BRAIN ANTIOXIDANT STATUS AND BRAIN
FUNCTION IN AGED RATS
Isabelle Hininger-Favier 1, Frederic Canini 2, Farida Belem 3, Mireille Osman 3, Veronique Ducros 4,
and Anne-Marie Roussel 5
1
LBFA (NVM) (Grenoble, France); 2 CRSSA (La Tronche, France); 3 INSERM U844-UJF Grenoble
(Grenoble, France); 4 DBI-CHU Grenoble (Grenoble, France); 5 INSER U844-UJF Grenoble
(Grenoble, France)
With the increasing life expectancy, cognitive decline is becoming a major public health problem.
Selenium is thought to be involved in the maintenance of functional brain activity and in protection
against oxidative stress. This idea is supported by the finding that the brain retains high selenium
levels under conditions of persistent dietary selenium deficiency. Recently, we showed that aging was
associated with a decrease in plasma selenium while a lowered selenium status was associated with
a higher risk of cognitive decline, suggesting that selenium decrease during ageing should not be
underestimated as an emphasizing of brain ageing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects
of a selenium restricted (40 ng/g) versus normal diet (180ng/g) on brain antioxidant status and
behavioural reactivity of old rats (28 months). In rats fed selenium restricted diet, plasma Se and GPx
activity decreased significantly. The fall of Se in liver was 60% versus only 5% in cerebellum. After 12
weeks of restricted-diet, we observed a decrease in complex I of the mitochondria respiratory chain
assessed by western-blot, but no significant alterations in brain redox status assessed by TBARS, SH
groups, GPX, GSH and antioxidant power using ferric reducing antioxidant power( FRAP).
Furthermore, the level of DNA cortex damage assessed by comet assay was similar between the
groups. However, the Se deficient animals exhibited more anxiety assessed by open field test. Our
results suggest that Se deficient diet during ageing could be associated with an accelerated brain
ageing monitored by a decrease in mitochondrial complex I and alterations in cognitive function. In
this study, these effects did not seems related to antioxidant property of Se but could be carried by a
specific brain selenoprotein. Further studies are now necessary to understand by which mechanism
Se acts in aging brain.
9.S07
DISTURBANCES IN ACETYL-COA METABOLISM AND CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ZINC IN SN56
CHOLINERGIC NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS
Andrzej Szutowicz, Anna Ronowska, Agnieszka Jankowska-Kulawy, and Hanna Bielarczyk
Medical University of Gdansk, Department of Laboratory Medicine (Gdansk, Poland)
Excessive accumulation of Zn was found in intra and extracellular compartments of the brains
affected by different cholinergic encephalopathies including Alzheimer's disease. Typical feature of
these pathologies is inhibition of energy metabolism that parallels loses of cholinergic and cognitive
functions in affected brains. Therefore, we investigated whether zinc may exert its cholinotoxic effects
through acute and chronic interactions with principal enzymes of acetyl-CoA and energy metabolism.
In homogenates of SN56 cells Zn resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase
(PDH) aconitase and ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activities (KDH) with Ki values of 0.058, 0.010 and
0.002 mM, respectively. Weak inhibition of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) with [IC0.5] 0.3 mM was
observed. Lipoamide or EDTA added to assay media before Zn abolished its inhibitory effect on each
of enzymes. When added 10-15 min after Zn, they fully reversed PDH inhibition but only partially
restored activities of aconitase or KDH. Chronic 24 hour exposure of cholinergic cells to Zn caused
concentration-dependent suppression of their proliferation and viability ([IC0.5] 0.15 mM) that
correlated with depression of PDH activity (p<0.0001). At this concentration Zn also suppressed
aconitase, KDH, ChAT activities, cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA and whole cell ATP by 70, 85, 33, 57 and
69%, respectively but did not affect mitochondrial acetyl-CoA level. No changes in hexokinase, lactic
dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, ATP-citrate lyase and acetylcholinesterase activities were
observed in these conditions. Lipoamide added to SN56 cells cultured with Zn fully overcame its
suppressive influences on cell viability, PDH and aconitase activities, as well as on acetyl-CoA and
ATP levels and partially restored ChAT and KDH activities. Presented data indicate that suppression
of acetyl-CoA metabolism may be of primary significance for cholinotoxic effects of Zn. Supported by
MNSW grant 2P05A11030.
Category 10: Osteoporosis and Other Bone Disorders
10.P01
THE EFFECTS OF LOW-LEVEL CADMIUM EXPOSURE ON BONE DENSITY
Malgorzata Trzcinka-Ochocka, Marek Jakubowski, and Beata Janasik
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (Lodz, Poland)
The present investigation was performed in the areas contaminated to cadmium nearby zinc smelter.
Due to the fact the smelter started working in 1968, the investigated population consisted of the group
of people who were exposed to cadmium from their birth - former children and their parents, not
environmentally exposed to cadmium at their childhood - unexposed adults. Our results obtained
within years 2000-2003, showed that environmental Cd exposure (Cd-U) in childhood might have a
stronger impact on renal function, particularly tubular resorption, than the exposure of a mature
organism (M. Trzcinka-Ochocka et al., Environmental Research, 95, 2004, 143-150). The present
study was performed based on the group of the people investigated within 2000-2003 and consisted
from 130 former children and 131 unexposed adults. Forearm bone mineral density (BMD) has been
assessed by technique – dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The Cd-U concentrations were
determined by graphite - furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer 4100 ZL). For internal
quality control, Trace Elements Urine - Seronorm were used. The accuracy of the method was verified
via participation in the German External Quality Assessment Scheme. The obtained results indicate
that environmental cadmium exposure (Cd-U) at present is lower comparing to the period of 20002003 and decreased from 0.98 to 0.7 and 2.23 to 1.41 µg/g creatinine in groups former children and
unexposed adults, respectively. The decrease in forearm density (T-score) is correlated with age
(p<0.002) and Cd-U (p<0.05) for whole study group. The present findings indicate that the risk of low
bone mineral density (osteopenia T-score < -1 >2.5) concerned 7% of former children and 18%
unexposed adults. The symptoms of the risk of osteoporosis (T-score < 2.5) can appeared only for
3% of unexposed adults group. These results indicate that low level cadmium exposure does not
increase the risk of osteoporosis.
10.P02
OPEN
10.P03
OPEN
10.P04
OPEN
10.P05
DOES CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION DURING THE SUCKLING PERIOD AFFECT BONE
MINERAL DENSITY AND BONE ZINC LATER IN ADULT RATS?
Veda Marija Varnai 1, Martina Piasek 1, and Marijana Matek Saric 2
1
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (Zagreb, Croatia); 2 Institute for Public
Health Zadar (Zadar, Croatia)
This investigation aimed at evaluating long-term effects of dietary calcium supplementation during
suckling period on calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in bone. Female Wistar rats were
divided in four groups (12 to 15 animals in each): 1) supplemented with 6% suspension of Ca
hydrogen phosphate in cow's milk during the suckling period (Ca-supplemented) and then fed on
rodent feed with 1% Ca till the age of 3 months; 2) Ca-supplemented and then fed on 0.45% Ca; 3)
sham-supplemented with cow’s milk as suckling (sham-supplemented) and then fed on 1% Ca; 4)
sham-supplemented and then fed on 0.45% Ca. At the age of 3 months (young adult rats) whole body
bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and Ca, Zn and Mg
concentrations were analysed in femoral bone tissue by atomic absorption spectrometry. The
experiment was conducted in accordance with the NIH Guidelines for the care and use of animals,
and approved by authorized national institutions and Institute's Ethical Committee. Two-way analysis
of variance evaluated the effects of Ca supplementation during the suckling period and the effects of
two levels of Ca intake (1% or 0.45%) during the weaning and after weaning on BMD and bone Ca,
Mg, and Zn. The results showed that Ca supplementation during the suckling period did not affect
whole body BMD and bone Mg concentration in young adult rats, Ca concentration in the femur
decreased 6.6%, and bone Zn concentration increased 5%. Animals fed on 1% Ca in feed had a
slightly higher whole body BMD (2%), higher Ca concentration in the femur (9%), and lower bone Zn
concentration (7%) than rats fed on 0.45% Ca. Bone Mg was unaffected. To conclude, under these
experimental conditions Ca supplementation during the suckling period has no beneficial effect on
bone mineral density in the adulthood. Effects on bone Zn deserve further exploration.
10.P06
THE FEASIBLE USE OF TEETH AS THE SITE FOR THE IN VIVO QUANTIFICATION OF
STRONTIUM BY X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY
Eric Da Silva 1, Ana Pejovic-Milic 2, and Darrick V. Heyd 3
1
Ryerson University (Toronto, Canada); 2 Ryerson University, Department of Physics (Toronto,
Canada); 3 Ryerson University, Department of Chemistry & Biology (Toronto, Canada)
Strontium (Sr) has gained much attention over the last few decades due to its chemical/biochemical
similarity to calcium (Ca). Like Ca, Sr is a bone-seeking element, and has been shown to be
responsible for various bone disorders, particularly rickets and osteomalacia, in areas of high dietary
Sr consumption. People living in areas subject to nuclear fallout have been shown to have increased
incidences of various cancers due to elevated consumption of foods high in Sr-90. This study
demonstrates that the tooth, including baby teeth, can act as the site for the painless, non-destructive
in vivo or ex vivo quantification of Sr by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF).
The Sr signal induced by an I-125 source (in the form of brachytherapy seeds) was successfully
normalized to the Ca signal from the enamel. The relative standard deviation of the Ca signal for all
teeth was 5.7 %, indicating that the Ca content in enamel is reasonably constant regardless of the
individual’s age, sex or race (n = 42, p < 0.05). Enamel Sr was quantified from the normalized Sr
signal in conjunction with a calibration curve produced from a series of hydroxyapatite enamel
phantoms purified of Sr (2 ppm). Validation of the EDXRF-determined Sr concentrations was
performed by comparison with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, which indicated that
the EDXRF method can be used successfully as a means of quantifying dental Sr with a minimum
detectable limit of 28 ppm. Dental Sr concentrations from this study ranged from 50 to 300 ppm, with
a 95% confidence interval of (169 ± 80) ppm, and the results appeared to be clustered. Such large
variation is not often observed, and may be a reflection of the population diversity in Toronto
(Canada), an immigration hub, from which the sample was drawn. Likewise, the clustering may also
be an effect of the variety of ethnic communities and traditional diets represented in the sample.
10.P07
TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN HUMAN NAILS USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION
SPECTROMETRY
Fathi El-Amri 1, Ramadan Damja 2, and Yousf Benshaban 2
1
United Arab Emirates University (Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates); 2 Al-Fateh University (Tripoli, Libya)
Evaluation of trace elements in human tissues such as hair and nails proven useful in the studies
pertaining chronic body exposure. These may have also considered as indexes to evaluate
environmental exposure. Nail samples were collected from healthy people age 5-60 year. Samples
were digested with nitric and perochloric acid, the elements were then determined by atomic
absorption spectrometry .These elements are calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Results shows that
calcium has the highest concentration than other elements. Elemental concentrations are compared
to literature values and chronological variation is illustrated. A pattern of the concentration of elements
in nails samples were analyzed regarding to the age and sex.
10.P08
ELIMINATION OF ARTHRITIS PAIN AND INFLAMMATION FOR OVER 2 YEARS WITH A SINGLE
90 MIN, TOPICAL 14% GALLIUM NITRATE TREATMENT: CASE REPORTS AND REVIEW OF
ACTIONS OF GALLIUM III
George Eby
George & Patsy Eby Foundation (Austin, USA)
Gallium(III) can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta, produced by
macrophage-like cells in vitro. A dose-dependent inhibition of IL-1beta and TPA stimulated MMP
activity by gallium nitrate at increasing concentrations occurs, demonstrating that gallium nitrate can
be a useful modulator of inflammation in arthritis. Gallium(III) is an inhibitor of bone resorption and is
an effective treatment for hypercalcemia. Gallium(III) has been reported to be effective in the
treatment of mycobacterium butycicum-induced arthritis in rats by antagonism of iron III. Long-term
elimination of pain from arthritis by gallium III was first observed in horses primarily being treated for
navicular disease. Several people treating their horses with gallium nitrate coincidentally found that
arthritis pain in their fingers ended and did not return after soaking their hands in 14% gallium nitrate
solution. Therefore, the severely arthritic hands of a 60-year-old woman were topically treated with a
14% aqueous solution of gallium nitrate for 90 min. Pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis
diminished rapidly, and neither pain nor inflammation returned during the following 2 years from that
single treatment. A 61-year-old woman who had osteoarthritis in her left knee, shoulders and wrists
was treated orally with 50 ml of a 1% gallium nitrate solution (120 mg elemental gallium) daily using a
two week on and two week off protocol, resulting in almost total elimination of pain while on gallium
nitrate, while pain partially returned during the two week off periods. Treatment of frozen shoulder with
topical 40% gallium nitrate for 120 min resulted in greatly reduced pain and crepitus almost
immediately with complete restoration of range of motion, with pain remaining essentially absent for
over 1 year. Proper use of gallium(III) may be effective in terminating pain and inflammation of arthritis
for years, often with a single treatment.
10.P09
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND VIT D
SUPPLEMENTATION BY THE HAIR MULTIELEMENT PROFILE FOLLOW UP
Juraj Prejac, Nikola Ivicic, and Berislav Momcilovic
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (IMI) (Zagreb, Croatia)
The aim of this study was to show the changes of the hair multielement profile (MP) after calcium,
magnesium, and vit D supplementation. The study was conducted by following the principles of
Helsinki Declaration and approved by the IMI Ethical Committee. The hair trace element (TE) MP was
analyzed in three perimenopausal women who participated as control subjects in the randomized
double blind prospective clinical epidemiology study of human depression. Calcium, Mg, and Si
content of the hair was analyzed by the ICP MS at the CBM, Moscow, Russia. All three women were
supplemented according to their individual bioelement status. Women A, B, and C have increased Ca,
Mg, and Si (A), increased Ca and Mg (B), and normal Ca, Mg, and Si (C); they were supplemented
accordingly to the individual MP TE. All women received vit D. TE deficiencies were corrected at the
intermittent intervals. Simulatneous supplementation of Ca, Mg, and Si in Subject A resulted in the
decrease of hair Ca, Mg, and Si. Simultaneus supplementation of Ca and Mg in Subject B resulted in
the decrease of Ca and Mg; whereas Si which was not supplemented, has increased. The Subject C
showed an increase of all the three elements in the hair. In percentiles before and after
supplementation: A [Ca: 3.6, 2.0; Mg: 1.9, 1.4; Si: 3.3, 2.2], B [Ca: 2.1, 1.0; Mg: 2.6, 1.4; Si: -0.2, 0.2],
C [Ca: -1.2, 1.5; Mg: -0.4, 2.4; Si: 0.8, 1.3]. Simultaneous nutritional supplementation with Ca, Mg and
vit D is associated with the decrease of their concentration in the perimenopausal women’s hair, what
we named “hair calcium paradox”. We suggest that many negative reports on suitability of the hair
analysis for the assessment of the Ca nutritional status are biased by not realizing the existence of
the hair calcium paradox, i.e., the counterintuitive fact that more Ca and Mg in the hair means less Ca
and Mg to the bone, and visa versa.
10.S01
RECOVERY OF BONE STATUS AFTER ABANDONING INGESTING CADMIUM-RICE FOR 10
YEARS
Chen Xiao, Zhu Guoying, Jin Taiyi, Lei Lijian, and Liang Yihuai
Fudan University (Shanghai, China)
Cadmium may have both direct and indirect effects on bone metabolism. The main focus of this study
was to evaluate whether stopping ingestion of cadmium-polluted rice is associated with the bone
recovery status. In this study, a total of 459 persons (296 females and 163 males) participated. The
residents in control area ingested the rice that the cadmium concentration was about 0.072mg/kg all
the time, those of living in the moderately and highly exposure area stopped ingesting the cadmiumpolluted rice since1996. The participants completed a questionnaire and the bone mineral density was
measured by pDEXA at the radius and ulna. The change in forearm bone density between 1998 and
2006 was used as markers of recovery status. The results showed that the bone density declined
linearly with age (p<0.05) and those of the residents living in highly-exposure area were significantly
lower than those of residents living in control area in females at the age of 50 and 70 years old
(p<0.05), as was same in male at the age of 70 years old. The values of decline of groups that Ucd
are 5-10 µg/g creatinine and above 10µg/g creatinine and Bcd is above 10µg/L were significantly
higher than those of low exposure groups (in females p<0.05, in males p>0.05). The decline values
and percentage changes in BMD were positively correlated with the cadmium (in females p<0.01,in
males p>0.05). It is concluded that bone recovery is not obvious, and the negative effect of cadmium
on bone still remain even the population has abandoned ingestion of cadmium-rice for 10 years,
especially in females.
10.S02
SE DEFICIENCY AND MANIFESTATION OF UROV DISEASE IN EAST SIBERIA
Vadim Ermakov
V.I. Vernadsky Institute of geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry (Moscow, Russian Federation)
Urov Kashin-Beck disease is a heavy osteoarticulate disease of humans. The disease aetiology is not
precisely determined until now. In the People's Republic of China, the disease emergence has been
associated with selenium deficiency in the environment. However, the selenium-deficient territories of
China cover some more extensive areas as compared to the areas of the Urov disease endemic
location. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to reveal the location of selenium-deficient territories
of the Chita region in view of the human and animal endemic diseases spread. Selenium and its
different forms were determined through a spectrofluorimetric method. It was discovered that the
biospheric taxons examined are characterized by the significant deficiency in selenium connected to
some geological and/or climatic features. The selenium deficiency has been found most frequently in
the areas were granitoids and inundated meadow-alluvial soil types are spread. On the soils
containing carbonate undergrounds (like limestone or marble) and those locally spread within the East
Zabaikalia boundaries, the selenium mobility rates are sufficiently higher and such sites are free from
endemic manifestations. Nevertheless, selenium deficiency is typical not only for the Urov endemic
spread territories. Low rates of selenium biogenic migration are specific not only for the endemic
villages in the Chita region, but also for other territories. The analysis of Se mobile forms in the soils
of East Zabaikalia and East Meshchera shows that distribution of some separate forms in the soils of
the Urov disease-unaffected villages and some villages near Moscow are practically similar.
10.S03
THE BA/SR RATIO, CARIOUS LESIONS, AND DENTAL CALCULUS AMONG THE POPULATION
BURIED IN LA CONCEPCIÓN (TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS)
Matilde Arnay-de-la-Rosa 1, Emilio González-Reimers 2, Alejandro Gámez-Mendoza 3, and Luis
Galindo-Martín 4
1
Dpto. de Prehistoria, Antropología e Historia Antigua (La Laguna/Tenerife, Spain); 2 Hospital
Universiatrio (La Laguna/Tenerife, Spain); 3 Facultad de Geografía e Historia (La Laguna/Tenerife,
Spain); 4 Facultad de Química (La Laguna/Tenerife, Spain)
Some trace elements may accumulate in bone in relation to dietary habits, so some of them are of
interest in paleodietary analysis. This is the case of Sr and Ba, which potential value as paleodietary
indicators is enhanced by their relatively inert metabolic behaviour. On the other hand, the presence
of carious lesions may indicate consumption of vegetables, whereas etiology of dental calculus
deposition is multifactorial, although some authors consider them as indicators of protein
consumption. Based on these factors, we analysed in the present study 1) Ba, Sr, and calcium
contents of trabecular bone obtained from the ramus mandibularis, by atomic absorption
spectrophotometry 2) presence of teeth with carious lesions, 3) presence of teeth with carious
deposition in 37 mandibles from the church La Concepción, an 18th century burial place from
Tenerife. Sex was assessed genetically, by analysing genetic expression of amelogenin. We found 1)
Carious lesions were observed in 18 cases, and dental calculus, in 19; no association was observed
between sex and presence of dental caries or calculus deposition, nor with the proportion of carious
teeth nor the proportion of teeth with carious lesions; 2) People buried near the altar (priests and
individuals of the highest social class) showed a significantly higher proportion of teeth with dental
calculus deposition; 3) Bone Sr was moderately (346.6 ± 64.5 ppm), but significantly higher than the
values observed in a control group composed by 20 modern omnivorous individuals; 4) the Ba/Sr ratio
was significantly higher among individuals with carious lesions, and kept a direct correlation with the
proportion of carious teeth. These data suggest that there were differences in dietary pattern among
the individuals belonging to different social classes; overall, consumption of vegetables was
widespread, as shown by the high proportion of carious lesions, in relation with raised Ba/Sr ratio.
Category 11: Toxicity of Trace Elements
11.P01
THE CELLULAR EFFECTS INDUCED BY PB2+ AND ZN2+ ACTION ON HUMAN
ERYTHROCYTES AND LYMPHOCYTES
Igor Volotovski 1, and Ekaterina Slobozanina 2
1
Institute of Biopysics and Cell Engineering, Belarus Satellite Center of TEI for UNESCO (Minsk,
Belarus); 2 Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering, Belarus Satellite Center of TEI for UNESCO
(Minsk, Belarus)
Depending on doses, TE can exert two kinds of effects on functioning in the organism, being either
essential constituents of biological molecules of various importances or toxic factors to bring serious
diseases. The latest data were given using literature and proper information. A number of
experiments to elucidate the membrane mechanisms of action of low lead concentrations on human
erythrocytes (HEC) were performed. Using fluorescence probes and EPR labels, lead was shown to
change the microviscosity of lipids in isolated (HEC) membranes at low (2-6 mM) concentrations,
intact donor HEC, and children HEC with lead content higher than maximum permissible level. Similar
data were obtained for lymphocytes with help of fluorescence probes but at higher (10 and/or 50 mM)
lead concentrations. Lead-induced lipid changes were accompanied by the structural changes in band
3 protein and NADH-methemoglobine reductase both in HEC in vitro and erythrocyte of children with
lead content in blood being higher than a MPL. Zn2+ is essential for several hundreds proteins, for
DNA stabilization, gene expression, etc., but under high concentrations it induces several intracellular
effects accompanied by severe dysfunctions that are shortly considered here with particular reference
to the properties of zinc as an antioxidant. Zn2+-induces the structural changes in HEC membranes
that follows from the presented data. Besides, atom force microscopy allowed imaging ot the
topography of membrane surface with a great deal of particles having several nanometers in size.
Based on the above data, the structural state of blood cell membranes was concluded to be able to
serve as a criterion in severity of intoxication.
11.P02
ZINC CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN AUTOPSY AND BODY FLUIDS
Teresa Lech, and Jozefa Krystyna Sadlik
Institute of Forensic Research (Krakow, Poland)
Zinc is involved in many biochemical processes that support life. It is a constituent of various tissues
and essential for more than 200 enzymes etc. However, zinc deficiency or excess intake or
disturbances in its metabolism lead to disease and toxicity. Data on the zinc concentration in the
human body are important, for example, to estimate the amounts occurring in healthy persons and
found in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds. In this paper, the concentration
of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases of non-poisoned people (n =
193), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1990–2007, is presented. The following values were found
by flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in ug/g or ug/ml): brain 10.6 ± 2.14,
10.3, 6.03–15.8 (n = 50); stomach 13.2 ± 4.07, 12.7, 5.18–22.5 (n = 72); intestines 14.3 ± 4.60, 15.8,
8.15–28.1 (n = 30); liver 37.1 ± 17.3, 35.2, 11.0–78.8 (n = 108); kidney 32.5 ± 10.7, 31.0, 10.8–60.9 (n
= 90); lung 11.2 ± 3.90, 10.1, 4.92–18.7 (n = 27); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart
26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 8.13 ± 2.11, 7.89, 4.02–12.8 (n = 71); bile 4.92 ± 1.64,
4.20, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of standard
reference material, Bovine Liver, 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 ug Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 ug Zn/g (n = 6)).
11.P03
ESTIMATION OF COMMON EFFECT OF ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS (RUPR. ET
MAXIM. EX MAXIM) EXTRACT AND CADMIUM ON MITOTIC AND APOPTOTIC ACTIVITY OF
LIVER CELLS
Alina Smalinskiene 1, Vaiva Lesauskaite 1, Virgilijus Zitkevičius 2, Nijole Savickiene 2, Stanislovas
Ryselis 3, Oleg Abdrakhmanov 3, Ilona Sadauskiene 3, Leonid Ivanov 3, and Arunas Savickas 4
1
Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 2 Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 3
Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); Department of
Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Management, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas,
Lithuania)
An area uninvestigated for immunomodulators such as Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) is the
interaction between these compounds and heavy metals. It is estimated that biologically-active
compounds from plants can have a protective action during intoxication by heavy metals. The aim of
the study was to evaluate the effect of ES extract on the accumulation of cadmium in liver, mitotic and
apoptotic activity of liver cells after the chronic intoxication by Cd2+. Experiments were carried out on
the white laboratory mice. Mice (n=57) were periodically i.p. injected for 6 weeks with CdCl2 (0.05
LD50 Cd2+) and ES extract solutions of two different concentrations (0.05 LD50 and 0.1 LD50) and their
combinations. The control group of mice was injected with 0.9% saline. Cadmium concentration in
spleen specimens was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin-Elmer/Zeeman
3030. The number of mitotic liver cells was counted in 10 randomly selected reference areas (0.04
mm2). Apoptosis of liver cells was histochemically detected by the TUNEL assay using AP (Roche) in
situ cell death detection kit. Preparation of extract from roots of ES was made in the factory “Valentis”
(Lithuania). Cd2+ concentration in liver of mice in group ES (0.05)+Cd was -1.61 fold higher, therefore
in group ES (0.1)+Cd was1.43-fold higher comparing to cadmium group. The mitotic activity of liver
cells induced by Cd2+ after injection of ES extract was same as in control group. ES extract did not
induce apoptosis of liver cells, but decrease apoptotic activity induced by cadmium. Long-term
injections of extract of ES (0.1 LD50 and 0.05LD50) combined with CdCl2 (0.05 LD50) leads to the
significant increase of cadmium concentration in liver of experimental mice. ES decreases the mitotic
activity and apoptosis of liver cells induced by cadmium.
11.P04
COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF ECHINACEA PURPUREA AND ELEUTHEROCOCCUS
SENTICOSUS (RUPR. ET MAXIM. EX MAXIM) EXTRACTSON THE ACCUMULATION OF
CADMIUM IN DIFFERENT ORGANS AN MITOTIC ACTIVITY OF LIVER CELLS
Virgilijus Zitkevicius 1, Nijole Savickiene 1, Alina Smalinskiene 2, Vaiva Lesauskaite 2, Satnislovas
Ryselis 3, Oleg Abdrakhmanov 3, Ilona Sadauskiene 3, Leonid Ivanov 3, and Arunas Savickas 4
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Kaunas University of Medicine
(Kaunas, Lithuania); 2 Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 3
Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 4 Department
of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Management, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas,
Lithuania)
Cadmium disturbs the activity of biochemical systems of cells. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP)
and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr.et Maxim.ex Maxim) (ES) can modify it`s influence. The aim of
the study was to compare the effect of EP and ES extract on the accumulation of cadmium in blood,
liver and kidney and mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells after the chronic intoxication by Cd2+.
Experiments were carried out on the white laboratory mice.Mice (n=100) were periodically i.p. injected
for 6 weeks with CdCl2 (0.05 LD50 Cd2+ and EP, ES extracts solutions of two different concentrations
(0.05 LD50 and 0.1 LD50), and their combinations. The control group of mice were injected with 0.9%
saline.Cd2+ concentration in blood and organs was determined by AAS Perkin-Elmer/Zeeman 3030.
The number of mitotic liver cells was counted in 10 randomly selected reference areas (0.04 mm2).
Apoptosis of liver cells was histochemically detected by the TUNEL assay using AP in situ cell death
detection kit. Cd2+ concentration in liver of mice in group EP(0.05)+Cd was1.78 fold higher, therefore
in group EP(0.1)+Cd was 2.11-fold higher comparing to Cd group, in kidney 2.1-fold and 1.92-fold
respectively and in liver of mice in group ES (0.05 LD50)+Cd was1.61-fold higher, therefore in group
ES (0.1 LD50)+Cd was1.43-fold higher comparing to Cd group in kidney 1.72-fold and 1.90-fold,
respectively. EP and ES decreases the mitotic activity of liver cells induced by cadmium. EP arises
apoptotic index (AI) of liver cells comparing with control group, but ES did not induce AI. Long-term
injections of extracts of EP and ES (0.1 LD50 and 0.05 LD50) combined with CdCl2 (0.05 LD50) and
leads to the significant increase of cadmium concentration in blood and organs of experimental mice.
EP and ES decrease the mitotic activity of liver cells induced by cadmium. EP increases the apoptotic
activity of the liver cells, but ES decreases this factor.
11.P05
TOXIC METHYLATION OF DIMETHYLTIN TO TRIMETHYLTIN IN HUMAN
Yoko Endo
Japan Labour Health and Welfare Organization (Tokyo, Japan)
Dimethyltin dichloride (DMT) is widely used for a heat stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride. DMT is of low
toxicity but trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is highly toxic to central nervous system. Occasional TMT
poisoning occurred from careless use in a worldwide scope. We reported a case of acute DMT
poisoning with neurologic manifestation very similar to TMT encephalopathy. Then we examined
whether the methylation of DMT to TMT occurred in human using speciation analysis of methyltins in
the urine of the patient with acute DMT poisoning. Monomethyltin trichloride (MMT), DMT and TMT in
urine were analyzed using combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, Model
HP-1100, Agilent, USA) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Model HP4500,
Agilent, USA), using m/z=118 and 120 of tin. MMT, DMT and TMT were separated using a cationexchange column (RSpak NN-614, Shodex, Japan), and a polymer column (ODP50, Shodex, Japan).
In order to confirm the chemical species of the detected peaks, mass-spectral analysis was performed
by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, Quatromicro API, Waters, USA).
Chromatographic peaks in the patient's urine were identical with the standard solution made by
dissolution of DMT and TMT reagents. Although biotransformation of alkyltin has been reported to be
demethylation in mammals, the DMT uptaken by inhalation was found to be methylated to TMT in a
human body in our case. Both DMT and TMT were detected in urine even 40 days after the acute
exposure and the concentration of TMT (57.7 µg Sn/L) was much higher than that of DMT (27.4 µg
Sn/L). Our study clarified toxic methylation of DMT to TMT in human and the conversion rate was
high. It is required to strictly control of DMT use.
11.P06
STRATEGIES FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC MEASURES AGAINST METALS :
ROLE OF MICRONUTRIENTS
Sangeeta Shukla
Jiwaji University (Gwalior, India)
The heightened concern for reduction of environmental pollution that has been occurring over the past
20 - 25 years has stimulated active continuing research and literature on the toxicology of metals.
Man has succeeded in poisoning himself with metal toxins repeatedly throughout recorded history.
We can take steps to understand this threat and put into action policies of prevention and treatment
that may help to lessen the negative impact that these agents have on human health. Once these
chemicals are inside us, we can never fully eliminate them unless we undergo a detoxification
process. As a result, most of us need some form of detoxification. The present investigation reviews
the acute, subchronic and chronic exposure of mercury, vanadium and beryllium in rats. The effect of
exogenous applications of glutathione, D-penicillamine, NAC and DTT were studied in combination
with Zn, Se, Mg and Fe in the acceleration of metal elimination. Activity of aspartate
aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase,
triglycerides, cholesterol and HDL were significantly elevated with the administration of toxicants. A
rise was found in hepatic, renal and neuronal lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decline in reduced
glutathione (P < 0.05). The enzymatic activities of GSH cycle, such as GPx, GR and G-6PDH were
also altered due to oxidative damage. A fall was observed in the enzymatic activity of AChE in fore,
mid and hind brain.In the present study Zn, Se, Mg and Fe along with chelating agents were effective
in mobilizing all the metals from the soft as well as hard tissues, preventing against deleterious metal
mediated free radical attacks thus protecting biological membranes from damage. The reversal of
intoxication has been discussed.
11.P07
GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF THE MOUSE BRAIN PERINATALLY EXPOSED TO
METHYLMERCURY AND/OR POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
Miyuki Shimada 1, Satomi Kameo 2, Norio Sugawara 3, Satomi Murata-Mizukami 4, Takashi Ohba 5,
Kunihiko Nakai 5, Hitoshi Iwahashi 4, and Hiroshi Satoh 2
1
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan); 2 Environmental Health Sciences,
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan); 3 Department of Neuro-psychiatry,
Hirosaki University (Hirosaki, Japan); 4 Human Stress Signal Research Center, AIST (Ikeda, Japan); 5
Environmental Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Sendai, Japan)
Methylmercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental pollutants that cause
neurobehavioral deficits in human. Since the exposure levels to both compounds are low, it is
necessary to consider the various confounding factors. Fish is the main sources of human MeHg
exposure, as well as PCBs exposure. In this experimental study, we investigated the effect of
combined perinatal exposure to MeHg and PCBs in terms of neurobehavioral development and gene
expression analysis (microarray 1-color method) of the offspring. Female mice (C57BL/6Cr) were
exposed to MeHg (5 ppm as Hg in diet), PCBs (Aroclor 1254, 18 mg/kg/3-days), PCBs + MeHg, or
vehicles. Before weaning of offspring, developmental observations were made. At 8 weeks old, they
were tested by an open field test and water maze test. Several developmental and neurobehavioral
tests showed significant effects of MeHg alone or PCBs alone. Effects of interaction of treatment with
PCBs + MeHg were also observed in the open field test. The results of microarray analyses (whole
brain on postnatal day 1) showed increased number of genes with alternated expression. The number
of genes that were commonly expressed in MeHg group and PCBs group was small. MeHg + PCBs
group expressed larger number of genes that were not expressed in MeHg group and PCB group. In
conclusion, the gene expression pattern by co-exposure was different from those by exposure to
MeHg alone or PCBs alone. It is of interest to correlate the results of behavioral tests and the gene
expression in future study.
11.P08
EFFECT OF NICKEL ON THE TESTICULAR AND EPIDIDYMAL STRUCTURE AND ITS
DISTRIBUTION IN THE RAT ORGANISM AFTER AN EXPERIMENTAL ADMINISTRATION
Robert Toman 1, Lenka Babikova 1, Jozef Golian 1, Peter Massanyi 1, Svatoslav Hluchy 1, Norbert
Lukac 1, Robert Stawarz 2, Grzegorz Formicki 2, and Peter Cupka 1
1
Slovak Agricultural University (Nitra, Slovakia); 2 Pedagogical University of Krakow (Krakow, Poland)
Nickel compounds are known human carcinogens and also due to their dermatologic effects. In the
study, the effects of nickel on the structure of the testis and epididymis and the concentration of the
metal in the rat tissues were studied. Nickel chloride was administered intraperitoneally to adult male
Wistar rats at dose level 25 (group A) and 35 mg/kg (group B) body weight. Another group (P) of four
weeks old males were given 100 mg/L in drinking water for 3 months. The changes in the testis and
epididymis were evaluated 48 hours after an i.p. administration and after a three month of peroral
exposure using the morphometry methods. The nickel concentrations in the kidney, liver, testis and
muscle tissues were analyzed using the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The
morphometry analysis of the testes revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the interstitium relative
volume and the decrease in the tubule lumen volume in group A. The absolute epithelium volume
significantly (P<0.05) decreased in group A. In the epididymis, a significant increase in the relative
volume of the epithelium (P<0.001), and absolute volume of the epithelium (P<0.001) and interstitium
(P<0.01), the decrease in the lumen relative and absolute volume (P<0.001) were observed at the
highest dose group (P). The absolute weight of epididymis significantly (P<0.05) decreased in group
A. The histopathological changes in both organs were observed. The nickel concentrations in the
kidney increased significantly in group A and P (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). A significant
(P<0.05) increase in the Ni amount in the testes was also noted. On the contrary, the Ni amount in the
muscle tissue significantly decreased in group B and P (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). The results
indicate that both i.p and oral exposure to nickel affects the testis and epididymis histology and
increases the amount of metal in the kidney and testes. Supported by VEGA grants 1/2417/05 and
1/3475/06.
11.P09
SPECIATION OF MERCURY IN THE TISSUES OF THE RATS WHICH RECEIVED DENTAL
AMALGAM FILLINGS
Yoshifumi Takahashi 1, Shozo Tsuruta 1, Akira Yasutake 2, and Masumi Sawada 2
1
Aichi-Gakuin University (Nagoya, Japan); 2 National Institute for Minamata Disease (Minamata,
Japan)
Methylation of the mercury released from dental amalgam placed in the oral cavity has not been
established. Recently, Leistevuo et al (2001) reported that the amount of organic and inorganic
mercury in paraffin-stimulated saliva was significantly higher in subjects with dental amalgam fillings
than that in the nonamalgam study groups. They also demonstrated that the results were compatible
with the hypothesis that amalgam fillings may be a continuous source of organic mercury. We,
therefore, carried out this study on the possibility of methylation of mercury released from dental
amalgam fillings, examining the amounts of total mercury (T-Hg) and metylmercury (MeHg) in the
tissues of rats as to their relationship to amalgam fillings. Thirty-six rats were given 1, 2 or 4 maxillary
molar amalgam fillings and bred for a full six months. Another 12 rats which received no fillings were
used as controls. Total mercury was measured by reducing vaporization-gold amalgamation atomic
absorption spectroscopy, while methylmercury was measured by ECD-gas chromatography. Amounts
of total mercury in brain, liver, kidneys and blood samples were found to be higher in all rats receiving
fillings than in the controls. Although amounts of metylmercury in liver and kidneys from the
experimental animals were higher than that of controls, amounts of methylmercury in blood samples
were almost the same as in the controls. We could not conclude that the possibility of methylation of
mercury released from dental amalgam fillings from this study.
11.P10
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF EXPOSURE TO DIET SOURCED ENVIRONMENTAL CADMIUM
IN CENTRAL JAMAICA
Paul Wright, Gerald Lalor, Vaughn Rattray, and Richard Hanson
International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) (St Andrew, Jamaica)
There are concerns in Jamaica with the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes,
hypertension, osteoporosis and renal disease. Some trace elements such as lead (Pb) and cadmium
(Cd) are known nephrotoxins. Cd in particular, damages the proximal tubules of the kidney and has
been linked to the occurrence of renal disease. Proximal tubular dysfunction results in decreased
reabsorption of certain compounds including glucose, amino acids and calcium into the bloodstream
by the kidneys, resulting in excretion to the urine instead. Reduced absorption of these compounds
may cause renal disease, glucosuria, proteinuria and osteoporosis, similar to Fanconi’s Syndrome.
Soil surveys carried out by ICENS show elevated concentrations of Cd in the mainly bauxitic soils of
Central Jamaica. The highest concentrations are 100 to 1000 times higher than levels typically found
naturally worldwide. Some crops for local consumption and export are cultivated on these Cd rich
soils and elevated concentrations of Cd have been found in tubers and green leafy vegetables.
Autopsy studies of kidney Cd concentrations confirm elevated human exposure, with results showing
that persons from Central Jamaica exceed the general population average by a factor of two. Diet
studies have ascertained that a population in Central Jamaica is at risk of being exposed to Cd levels
in excess of the PTWI set by the WHO. Cd exposure and proximal tubular dysfunction were
measured as urine Cd (U-Cd) and B2 microglobulin (B2-M) in urine, respectively. Elevated levels of
U-Cd and B2-M concentrations were confirmed with a strong correlation between the soil Cd and the
U-Cd. Higher B2-M concentrations (>200ug/g creatinine) were found in the population with U-Cd
concentrations greater than 2.5ug/L. This raises a concern that the impairment in the reabsorption
capacity of the renal tubules may be contributing to various chronic conditions.
11.P11
SELENIUM AS AN ANTIOXIDANT IN THE THYROID GLAND
Monireh Aghajany 1, Saeid Kalantari 2, and Abdolrasoul Sobhani 2
1
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran, Islamic Rep. of); 2 Guilan University of Medical
Sciences (Rasht, Iran, Islamic Rep. of)
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between selenium status as an
antioxidant and thyroid gland function. The thyroid contains more selenium per gram of tissue than
any organ and selenium like iodine,is essential for appropriate thyroid hormone synthesis, activation
and metabolism.The data suggest that selenium is mainly present in the follicular or thyrocyte
compartments.This would appear reasonable, because thyroid follicles continuously produce H2O2
for thyroid hormone synthesis throughout life. The cytotoxic effect of H2O2 on thyroid cells induced
caspase3- dependent apoptosis that occurs at H2O2 concentrations that are sufficient to induce
necrosis. Therefore, the thyrocyte need a very potent antioxidative defense system against H2O2 and
reactive oxygen intermediates derived thereof. We performed a descriptive, observational, crosssectional study in the setting of an endocrinology clinic.To evaluate the thyroid function, TSH,
thyroxine, T4, T3, T3RU, and FTI levels were measured in the serum of patients. Two arbitrary
serum-TSH threshold levels (TSH < 1.0 and > 4.0 mU/L) were introduced in order to classify,
respectively, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, as well as euthyroid conditions (1.0 < TSH < 4.0
mU/L), and each patient was assigned to one of these groups. Serum selenium levels determine by
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy with Nickel as a matrix modifier for background
correction (AA670 G-SHIMADZU). Data analysis was performed by SPSS NO-13 saftware. The
differences among serum selenium in euthyroids, hypothyroids and hyperthyroids were statistically
significant (p<0.005) and the serumic selenium levels in hyperthyroids patients were lower than other
groups. Our finding suggest that selenium as an antioxidant trace element protect against thyroid
dysfunction.
11.P12
MORPHOFUNCTION THE CONDITION OF THE LIVER AT LOADING ORGANISM TOXIC BY
DOZES A CADMIUM AND LEAD ON THE BACKGROUND OF VARIOUS SECURITY OF THE DIET
BY MINERAL SUBSTANCE
Svyatoslav Lebedev 1, Sergei Miroshnikov 1, Anatolii Skalny 1, Elena Barisheva 1, Valentina
Polyakova 2, and Elena Sizova 1
1
Orenburg State University (Orenburg, Russian Federation); 2 Orenburg Medicine University
(Orenburg, Russian Federation)
The researches directed on revealing of features of a structurally-functional condition of a liver at
separate inclusion in a diet a toxic and essential elements are executed on model of rats of line
Wistar. In current of 21 day of 4 groups (n=20) animals contained on scarce on minerals a diet with
minimal contents are iodine, selenium and zinc (control group). To individuals I of group into a diet
entered sulphate lead - 0,004 mg/head.day, sulphate cadmium of days of 3 mg/head. In a diet of II
group with toxic elements entered iodide potassium in quantity of 0,332 mkg/head.day), se-lenopyran
- 0,0001 g/haed.day and sulphate zinc - 0,042 mg/head.day). Into a diet of III skilled group entered
essential elements in the same dosages. At receipt in organism Cd and Pb in hepatocytes disappears
glycogen, in separate segments it is observed vacuolization and necrosis centerlobulyaris
hepatocytes. Places significant zones in the sizes necrosis. In centerlobulyaris to a zone increase
quantity bicyclic the cells making in it 5,7 (Р <0,05), concerning control group of the animals making
1,35 %. In a hepatic fabric of the received animals of II group absence glycogen in cells is characteristic. In hepatocytes on a place left glycogen are found to be abundant vacuoles, the given phenomenon should be considered as display of the mechanism adaptation.
At introduction in a diet of a complex of microelements J, Se, Zn cytoplasm of the majority
hepatocytes is enriched glycogen, the expressed difference in painting between centerlobulyaris and
peripheral cells not observed. In comparison with the control among hepatocytes the number of cells
with average and greater kernels on volume increases.
11.P13
DISTRIBUTION AND METABOLISM OF TELLURIUM IN RATS INGESTED WITH SODIUM
TELLURITE
Yasumitsu Ogra, Reina Kobayashi, Kazuya Ishiwata, and Kazuo T. Suzuki
Chiba University (Chiba, Japan)
Tellurium (Te) is one of the important metalloids used in industry, and is ubiquitously found in the
environment. However, the biological and toxicological effects of Te are still unclear despite its being
recognized as a hazardous element. Recently, Te, as an alloy with germanium (Ge) and antimony
(Sb), has found use in digital versatile disk-random access memory (DVD-RAM) and DVDrerecordable disc (DVD-RW). This study was performed to gain an insight into Te metabolism in the
body on the basis of speciation analysis of metallomes. The mechanism for the discrimination of Te
from selenium (Se), an essential metalloid belonging to the same group as Te, was also clarified.
Rats were given drinking water containing tellurite and 82Se-labeled selenite at the same
concentration, and the concentrations of these metalloids in organs, body fluid and excreta were
determined 2 days later (All animal experiments were performed according to the “Guide for the Care
and Use of Laboratory Animals” (issued by NIH) and the Guidelines of Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committee, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan, and have
been approved by the committee). The results demonstrate that urinary and fecal excretion of Te was,
respectively, lower and higher than that of exogenous (labeled) Se, suggesting that Te was less
absorbed than Se. Incorporated Te bound to selenoprotein P and globulins but not to albumin in
serum after Te was taken up by RBCs, and the Te bound to these plasma proteins was transported to
organs. The transported Te was transformed, i.e., methylated in organs and effluxed into
bloodstream, and the effluxed Te was highly accumulated in rat RBCs in the form of dimethylated Te.
In contrast, Se was not accumulated in RBCs. Finally, Te was excreted in urine as
trimethyltelluronium. The results suggest that the metabolism of Te was distinct from that of Se in rats.
11.P14
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS (RUPR. ET MAXIM. EX
MAXIM) EXTRACT ON THE ACCUMULATION OF CADMIUM IN SPLEEN AND THE EXTENT OF
MACROFAGUS AREA
Nijole Savickiene 1, Virgilijus Zitkevičius 1, Alina Smalinskiene 2, Vaiva Lesauskaite 2, Stanislovas
Ryselis 3, Oleg Abdrakhmanov 3, Ilona Sadauskiene 3, Leonid Ivanov 3, and Arunas Savickas 4
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Kaunas University of Medicine
(Kaunas, Lithuania); 2 Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 3
Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 4 Department
of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Management, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas,
Lithuania)
Cadmium has a diversity of toxic effects including nephrotoxity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and
endocrine and reproductive toxicity. There is the evidence of therapeutic benefits of Eleutherococcus
senticosus (ES). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of (ES) extract on the accumulation
of cadmium in spleen and the extent of the macrofagus area after the chronic intoxication by Cd2+.
Materials and methods. Experiments were carried out on the white laboratory mice. Mice (n=57) were
periodically i.p. injected for 6 weeks with CdCl2 (0.05 LD50 Cd2+) and ES extract solutions of two
different concentrations (0.05 LD50 and 0.1 LD50) and their combinations. The control group of mice
were injected with 0.9% saline. Cd2+ concentration in spleen specimens was determined by atomic
absorption spectrophotometer Perkin-Elmer/Zeeman 3030. The extent of macrofagus area estimated
using the immunehistological reaction by antibody CD68. Preparation of extract from roots of ES was
made in the factory "Valentis" (Lithuania). Cd2+ concentration in spleen of mice in group ES (0.05)+Cd
was 3.378 µg/g, therefore in group ES (0.1)+Cd was 3.133 µg/g and in Cd group - 1,904 µg/g. The
extent of macrofagus area was less in groups: ES (0.05)+Cd and ES (0.1)+Cd compare with Cd
group. Long-term injections of extract of ES (0.1 LD50 and 0.05 LD50) combined with CdCl2 (0.05
LD50) leads to the significant increase of cadmium concentration in spleen of experimental mice. ES
decreases the activity of macrofagus induced by cadmium.
11.P15
A WILSON DISEASE PATIENT WITH RECURRED ACUTE HEPATITIS DUE TO POOR MEDICAL
COMPLIANCE
Kaoru Hirai, Atsuko Watanabe, Norikazu Shimizu, and Tsugutoshi Aoki
Toho University (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. Copper accumulates in the
liver, brain, cornea, kidney and other organs. The disease phenotype includes liver dysfunction,
neurological impairment, Kayser-Fleischer ring and others. Patients with liver dysfunction may present
with acute hepatitis, recurrent hepatitis picture, cirrhosis and/or liver failure. Wilson disease is a
treatable disorder. In this paper, the author reported a case of Wilson disease with recurred acute
hepatitis because of very poor medical compliance. The case is an 18-year-old female. When she
was 10 years old, she had symptoms of general fatigue and abdominal pain. Her AST and ALT levels
were elevated. Her laboratory findings also revealed a low serum ceruloplasmin level and high urinary
copper excretion. She was diagnosed as Wilson disease and treatment with D-penicillamine was
started. Her liver dysfunction had been getting better. However, her medical compliance was not so
good. And when she was 13 years old, she stopped to take D-penicillamine completely. Until 18 years
old, no any hepatic symptom was presented. When she was 18 years and 2 months old, she present
fever. Then she felt general fatigue and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed icterus and
Kayser-Fleischer rings. Serum AST and ALT levels were highly elevated. We diagnosed her as acute
hepatitis of Wilson disease due to poor medical compliance and some viral upper respiratory
infection. We re-started D-penicillamine from dose of 800mg/day then up to 1,400mg/day. Her general
fatigue and abdominal pain disappeared in a few days. And AST, ALT and total bilirubin levels fell to
normal levels in about one month. Wilson disease patients have to continue therapy for their whole
life. Poor medical compliance will cause miserable prognosis. Education for patients and their family
to keep good medical compliance is very important for care of Wilson disease.
11.P16
EFFECT OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN A COMPLEX PREPARATE (IMMUNOVET-HBM™ TRADE
NAME) ON THE ACTIVITY OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES IN BROILER CHICKENS
Kosa Emma, Jakab Laszlo, and Nagy Gyula
Szent Istvan University, Faculty of Veterinary Science (Budapest, Hungary)
The effect of feed supplemented with ImmunovetHBM™ (contained microelements-complex: Zn, Mn,
Fe, and Se has been tested by altogether 36, one day old ROSS 308 chickens. The chicken stock
was devised into two groups. The control group consisted of 18 (3x6), the experimental group of 18
(3x6) chickens. The ImmunovetHBM™ supplementation was given to the feedstuffs of the
experimental group, namely to the growing and finishing diets of animals. The weekly measured live
weight gain of chickens consistently was higher in the experimental group, and the end of trial final
body weight of ImmunovetHBM™ supplemented fed broilers (2152 g) was 7.06% higher than in the
control group (2010 g). The feed conversion efficiency was 1.72 kg/kg (9.00% P<0,01) in the treated
group, which is less than in the control group, 1,89 kg /kg. In this paper the effect of the prebiotic in
feedstuffs was studied on the activity of hydrolase’s enzymes in the broilers’ pancreas tissue and
intestinal content. The observations were made on broilers of 0 days which were kept in climatized
animal facilities. During the trials 6 groups was created. The animal number in each groups was 36
(control group’s 3x6=18, ImmunovetHBM™ 1 g/feed/kg treated group 3x6=18 broiler chickens). The
animals were euthanized on the day 42 on the control and treated group. The measurement of
digestive enzyme activity was made on the pancreas tissue and intestinal content of 36 animals from
each group. The data justify that the supplying of growing and finishing diets of broilers by
supplemented could improve the fattening parameters and the environmental pollution also could be
reduced. The digestive enzymes activity was significantly different between the experimental and the
control groups. According to the results the ImmunovetHBM™ can significantly modify the hydrolase’s
activity both in the pancreas and in intestinal content.
11.P17
AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF N-ACETYL CYSTEINE ALONG WITH THE COMBINATION OF
ANTIOXIDANTS AGAINST CHRONIC EXPOSURE INDUCED BY METHYLMERCURY TOXICITY
Deepmala Joshi, Sadhana Shrivastava, and Sangeeta Shukla
Jiwaji University (Gwarlior, India)
The mutual antagonism of mercury and thiol compounds is one of the strongest and most general
example of interaction in the trace element field. Mercury is a systematic poison causes neuro,
nephro and hepatotoxicity. Present investigation was carried out to study the ameliorative effects of
chelating agent (NAC) with and without nutritional supplements Zn and Se. NAC is a natural sulfurcontaining amino acid and consists of sulfhydryl group for binding electrophilic species. Zn and Se are
universal antioxidant which, prevent free radical generation, protecting biological membranes from
damage. It recycles the body's enzymatic and non-enzymatic defence systems. Adult male rats of
Sprague Dawley strain weighing 150 + 10g were divided into six groups of five animals each. Group 1
served as normal control. Groups 2-6 were administered dimethylmercury (1 mg/kg, p.o.) for 12
weeks (5 days/week) and group 2 served as experimental control. Group 3 was treated with the
therapy of NAC (2 mM/kg, i.p.). Animals of group 4, 5 and 6 were treated with NAC+ Zn (2 mM/kg,
p.o), NAC+ Se (0.5 mg/kg, p.o) and NAC+ Zn + Se respectively for 2 days after toxicant
administration. A significant rise were observed in the AST,ALT,ALP, gamma glutamyl
transpeptidase, albumin, bilirubin, urea and creatinine indicated the leakage of enzymes from liver
and kidney resulting alteration in the cell permeability. A sharp elevation was observed in LPO
however reduced GSH, ATPase, G-6-Pase and glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase activities
were also decreased in liver, kidney and brain, indicating oxidative damage resulting in the free
radical generation. An appreciable fall was observed in the activity of acetyl cholinesterase in different
regions of the brain. N- acetyl cysteine along with nutritional supplements was found to be effective,
however NAC + Zn +Se was the most effective combination therapy. This is also supported by light
and electron microscopical study.
11.P18
EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINATION THERAPY AGAINST SUBCHRONIC EXPOSURE OF
ALUMINIUM
Sadhana Shrivastava 1, Varsha Singh 1, Deepmala Joshi 1, and Mohamed Abdulla 2
1
Jiwaji University (Gwalior, India); 2 Trace Element- Institute for UNESCO (Lyon, France)
Aluminum is present in air, water and food and has been considered an indifferent element from a
toxicological point of view and may be mediated, at least in part, by free radical generation. The
chronic use of medicines and fruit juices containing citrates greatly increase absorption of Al. A causal
role in dialysis encephalopathy, microcytic anemia and in Alzheimer's disease is well known. It
decreases spontaneous nervous discharge, thereby reducing nervous activity. Combination therapy is
a new novel strategy. The present experiment was carried out to determine the effect of combined
therapy of NAC and HEDTA along with Ca and Fe. Group1: Normal control (normal saline 4ml /kg
i.p.), Group 2: Experimental control (1/50 LD50 of Al (NO3)3 i.p. for 21 days + 5 days rest), Group 3:
Al (NO3) 3 i.p. for 21 days followed by NAC+Ca+Fe for 5 days, Group 4: Al (NO3) 3 i.p. for 21 days
followed by HEDTA +Ca+Fe for 5 days. Activities of AST,ALT, TG, cholesterol and LDL were
significantly elevated and HDL was inhibited after toxicant administration .The rats exposed to Al
showed significant increase in the BUN, creatinine and Urea level disrupting the kidney function. The
activity of AChE was inhibited in all the parts of brain. In addition LPO and GSH levels were also
altered in liver, kidney and brain during toxicity. The activities of GPx, GR and G6PDH were
decreased in liver and kidney whereas marginal inhibition was noted in brain's GPx and G6PDH when
compared with control groups. Combination therapy showed over all improvement in all the
biochemical changes. Al exposure increased collagen fibers and degenerated cristae of mitochondria
in the liver. Well formed mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus were seen after therapy of
HEDTA+Ca+Fe. Histopathological changes in liver, kidney and brain were also recouped with the
therapy. Distribution studies also supported the results. In conclusion, HEDTA was more effective
when compared to NAC.
11.P19
INVESTIGATION OF CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF THALLIUM ACETATE AND ELLAGIC ACID ON
NIH 3T3 CELL LINE
Filiz Alanyalı, Ahmet Ozata, and Oge Basoglan
Anadolu Univercity (Eskişehir, Turkey)
In this study, we searched out the cytotoxic effects of thallium, a toxic trace element affecting the
nervous system, and ellagic acid (a natural polyphenolic compound which is widely found in fruits and
nuts) on cells for an NIH3T3 lineage. To establish the most effective results, we applied nine different
concentrations of thallium and ellagic acid (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000 µM). In this study,
cytotoxic effects were evaluated using MTT method after 24 hour incubation of the NIH3T3 cell line.
To determine the effects of these compounds on lysosomal activity, we dyed the cells with neutral red
following a 24 hour incubation in thallium and ellagic acid with concentrations of 1, 10, 100,250, 500,
750, 900, 1000 µM. Incubation of NIH 3T3 with ellagic acid at a concentration of 500 µM dose
resulted in 56% cell viability. Thallium incubation with NIH 3T3 cell cultures resulted of 500 µM 78.7%
after 48 hours. There is a decrease in the cell viability, at a concentration of 500 µM 39.5% after 72
hours. Ellagic acid had a more cytotoxic effect than thallium on the NIH3T3 cell line.
11.P20
SPECIATION ANALYSIS BY HPLC-ICP-MS OF ARSENIC IN URINE OF INDIVIDUALS DRINKING
POLLUTED WATER IN BANGLADESH
Ginji Endo 1, Md. Ahsan Habib 2, Akihisa Hata 2, Yoshiaki Nakajima 3, Michiko Matsuda 3, Masanori
Ogawa 3, and Yoko Endo 3
1
Osaka City University (Osaka, Japan); 2 Osaka City University (Osaka, Japan); 3 Japan Labour
Health Organization (Tokyo, Japan)
The toxicity and carcinogenicity of arsenic depend on its species. Individuals living in Bangladesh
drink water polluted with high levels of inorganic arsenic species. Speciation analysis of urinary
arsenic is required to clarify the health risks of arsenic intake. There has been no report of urinary
arsenic analysis in Bangladesh using high performance liquid chromatography with inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A community-based cross-sectional study was
performed in the Pabna district of Bangladesh and involved 332 adult participants, including 165 men
(42.7 ±10.9 yrs) and 167 women (34.9 ± 9.6 yrs), who were directly interviewed and submitted urine
samples and samples of drinking water from 138 wells between May-July 2005. We performed
speciation analysis of urinary arsenic using HPLC-ICP-MS. The median concentration of arsenic in
the 138 well water samples was 37 µg/L (inter-quartile range: 4-86 µg/L). The median values of
urinary arsenic species were as follows: arsenite (AsIII), 17.4; arsenate (AsV), 2.1;
monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), 14.2; dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), 89.3; arsenobetaine (AsBe), N.D.;
arsenocholine (AsCh), N.D.; trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), N.D.; unidentified arsenics (others), 2.5;
and total arsenic (total As), 127.0 ugAs/l. The median creatinine-adjusted values were as follows:
AsIII, 45.0; AsV, 4.4; MMA, 35.8; DMA, 234.6; AsBe, N.D.; AsCh, N.D.; TMAO, N.D.; others, 3.5; and
total As, 114.9 ugAs/g creatinine. Our findings indicate that high levels of AsIII, AsV, MMA, and DMA
in urine were due to exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic species in drinking water. In addition,
our findings indicate that absence of AsBe, AsCh, and TMAO were due to lack of ingestion of organic
arsenic species from seafood.
11.P21
ROLE OF METALLOTHIONEINES IN THE MECHANISM OF HEAVY METALS TOXIC EFFECTS
Leonid Shafran, Elena Pykhteeva, and Dmitry Bolshoy
Ukrainian Scientific and Research Institute of Medicine on Transport (Odessa, Ukraine)
The role of metal transporting proteins (MTP) in an organism is an answer for linkage and transport of
essential and toxic metals. Despite intensive study of these proteins, many aspects of heavy metal
transport remains unexplored. Therefore the purpose of the present research was determining in an
acute and subchronic experiment with white rats the role of MTP in the mechanism of toxic action of
inorganic Cd and Hg after intragastric exposure in doses at a level Limac and Limchr. The phase
character of metals linkage was fixed: non-specific, specific linkage, and desintegration of metalprotein complexes. There are differences of these processes rate and specific capacities for different
MTP as it is shown on albumin and metalothioneins (MT) examples. Entered into organism heavy
metal at the first minutes of exposure practically completely binds with albumin and other organic
ligands. The inductive synthesis of MTs is responsible for the second stage of metals linkage. A high
correlation rate (r > 0.78-0.85, p < 0.05) between the contents Cd and Hg in the liver and kidneys
exposed animals with the particular contents of MT in blood and urine is determined. Also the role of
МТ in cellular transport and subcellular distribution of heavy metals has been shown. МТ has a
signaling role in lysosomal enzymes activation. The last are responsible for the destiny of metal-МТ
complexes and their influence on inclusion and expressiveness of adaptive mobilization of the cellular
protective mechanisms. One of the main mechanisms is the adjustable level of the oxidative stress,
defined on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants parity, first of all, SOD, glutathionperoxidase and other
antioxidant enzymes activity. Their imbalance forms, finally, a cellular syndrome of metalotoxicosis.
11.P22
SMALL DOSES OF MERCURY EXPOSURE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Dmitry Bolshoy, Elena Pykhteeva, Leonid Shafran, and Elena Tretiakova
Ukrainian Scientific and Research Institute of Transport Medicine (Odessa, Ukraine)
During the last years the increasing attention of research is involved in a problem of
"micromercurialism", which is connected with the influence of small doses of mercury. A system of Hg
transport, detoxication and removing from the organism is carried out at the cellular level. So, the
purpose of the given research was studying the action of small doses of Hg and determining their
hygienic importance. In the subchronic experiments on male white rats, the action of HgCl2 in
different doses (1/200, 1/1000, 1/10000 and 1/100000 of DL50 ) on different markers of cellular
metabolism was examined. It was shown, that independent on a dose ions of mercury in
bioenvironments are found as complexes and adductors with proteins, while free Hg2+ in the
examined biosystems were practically absent. In allocated by differential centrifugation subcellular
fractions of the liver, kidneys and brain cells the growth of Hg accumulation in the brain cells
mitochondria - in 10, liver and kidneys - almost in 1000, and in lysosomal fractions of kidneys - near
2000 times in relation to the control is revealed. The mercury content in brain homogenate has grown
in 2.7, in kidneys - in 26.2, in the liver - in 30.3 times. There were marked dose dependent distinctions
in the changes of nuclear, mitochondrial, lysosomal and cytosol enzymes activity, the intensity of lipid
peroxidation, contents of SH-groups, and other investigated biomarkers of exposure. Materials of the
carried out research allow attributing to category “small” such dozes of Hg, which are at the Limchr
level and lower, and are determined with the help of system of the interconnected chemical and
biological markers. The last can be used for the hygienic control, risk assessment, and carrying out of
preventive, medical and rehabilitation measures.
11.P23
HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY OF ZN- AND PB-CONTAINING SHIP PAINTS
Diana Timoshina 1, Alexandr Tretiakov 1, Olga Kapustinskaya 1, and Galina Burlak 2
1
Ukrainian Scientific and Research Institute of Transport Medicine (Odessa, Ukraine); 2 Ministry of
Public Health of Ukraine (Kiev, Ukraine)
Epidemiological examination of 874 ship painters has shown the presence at 34% of the surveyed
workers functional disorders which can be carried to a category of professionally caused. It is given
reason by harmful working conditions, factors of labour process, and also presence of corresponding
properties at defined in air of a working zone of chemical substances. For persons with the
experience more than 10 years, these symptoms were seen 4 times more often, than in the nonexperienced group of painters. According to character of functional changes in an organism
syndromes of the general toxicity (central and peripheral neuropathy - 39.6%; respiratory disorders-
34.7%; vasocardial syndrome - 25.8%; hepato-renal syndrome -17.4%) and dermatotoxicity (local
dermal - 58.3%; the general with dermal component - 17.2%; allergenic - 9.9%; mixed or dermatoallergic - 14.6%) were determined. For studying the role of heavy metals in development of the
revealed disorders and their pathogenic mechanisms, series of experiments on white rats with lead
and zinc acetate in doses of 50 mg/kg, and also dermal application of Zn-and Pb-containing paints
has been put. It is determined the maintenance of lead, zinc, calcium in blood, urine, liver, kidneys,
brain tissues with atomic-absorption method and wide spectrum of biochemical markers. There are
established the signs of tissue hypoxia, activation of free-radical oxidation processes, inhibition of
antioxidant defense systems, of biomembranes disorders, enzsymopathy, that will be correlated with
data of clinical research and can be used for early diagnosis and treatment of functional infringements
at ship house painters.
11.P24
NEW ASPECTS OF METALLONEPHROTOXICOSES PATHOGENESIS
Anatoly Gozhenko, and Leonid Shafran
Ukrainian Scientific and Research Institute of Transport Medicine (Odessa, Ukraine)
Mechanisms of the induced by heavy metals (HМ) renal pathology development have represent an
indefatigable interest. It is determined by the role HМ as global pollutants and complex, diverse
character of their interaction with the hepato-renal system. The diagnosis of metalonephrotoxicosis is
put only at the acute or chronic renal insufficiency formation. Quite often the etiological factor remains
unknown. Therefore the purpose of the given research was experimental studying features of the
initial stages of the caused by HМ nephropathy for their more effective early diagnostics and
treatment. White mail rats within 4 weeks daily were made intraperitoneal injections of HM solution of
CdCl2 and HgCl2 in dozes of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg, Pb (NO3) 2 in dozes of 1,0 and 10 mg/kg. Animals
contained on standard hyposalt containing diet. Weekly water and hypersalt (0.9 % water solution
NaCl) loading were carried out for an estimation of renal functional reserves. Diuresis, osmolity,
protein, creatinin, K+ and Na+ levels in urine were determined. Also the glomerular filtrations speed
(GFS), K+ and Na+ reabsorbtion and clearance, osmotically active substances were calculated. The
carried out researches have allowed to establish the general for all investigated HМ and characteristic
attributes of metalotoxicosis. Discrepancy between degrees of defeat proximal tubules has been
revealed at action Cd and Hg, and change of size diuresis, proteinuria, infringement Na reabsorbtion
and GFS. Reduction of GFS depends on the tubules damage more than degrees of the renal bloodgroove decrease. It has been confirmed at the direct renal blood-groove definition at rabbits after
introduction HgCl2. The new metallonephrotoxicoses classification and system of informative
biomarkers for their diagnostics are proposed.
11.P25
CADMIUM IN URINE AND KIDNEY BIOMARKERS IN SWEDISH WOMEN
Gerd Sällsten
Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hopspital (Göteborg, Sweden)
The general population is exposed to cadmium via diet and smoking. The uptake is higher among
women with low iron stores. Signs of renal effects of cadmium have recently been demonstrated also
at relatively low exposure levels. The aim of the present study was to assess cadmium exposure and
possible renal effects in a population sample of women in the Western part of Sweden. This study
was part of an environmental health monitoring programme. One group included 104 middle-aged
women (50-59 years, mean 55) recruited at their visit to a mammography unit. The other group was
recruited by mail and included 85 young women (20-29 years, mean 24). The participation rate was
89 % and 70 %, respectively. Information about smoking habits, number of children and dietary habits
was collected by a questionnaire. The Ethics Committee approved the studies. A first morning urine
sample was collected and cadmium was analyzed by ICP-MS. Quality control samples were analyzed
in the same runs as samples from the study. NAG and creatinine were also determined in the same
samples. Out of the middle-aged women 27 % had UCd above 0.5 µg/gC, vs. only 3.5 % of the young
women. The median levels in the two groups were 0.37 µg/g C and 0.14 µg/gC, respectively, and for
active smokers the levels were 0.57 µg/gC and 0.17 µg/gC. In the middle-aged group a significant
correlation was found between NAG and UCd in non-smokers. It is important to reduce the cadmium
body burden. This can be obtained by reducing smoking in the young population. In the middle-aged
group ten years of smoking increased UCd with about 0.1 µg/g creatinine. Cd in diet should also be
reduced by decreasing emissions and deposition in soil. Earlier studies have shown a more marked
effect at lower UCd levels in the general population than in workers exposed to cadmium by
inhalation. One may speculate that cadmium intake by food might affect the kidneys more than
inhalation of cadmium.
11.P26
CESIUM TOXICITY ARISING FROM ANTICANCER THERAPY
Andre Mattman 1, Daisy Baulcomb 2, Mark Wylie 2, Thomas Mock 2, Robert Brown 3, Wendy Gordon 3,
and Matthew Wiens 4
1
Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada); 2 Children’s &
Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada); 3 Royal Columbian Hospital (New
Westminster, Canada); 4 University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada)
Cesium is an alkali metal with no known biological role in human health. CsCl is marketed as an
alternative therapy for oncology patients but has been implicated in clinical toxicity syndromes. We
present a case of a 45 yo woman who was treated with CsCl for breast cancer. After four months of
therapy she developed recurrent syncopal episodes. On admission (day 0), cardiac monitoring
revealed a QTc prolongation that culminated in ventricular fibrillation (torsades des pointes). She was
defibrillated, resuscitated and has a normal electrocardiogram reading after lidocaine followed by
mexilitine therapy. Serum, whole blood and urine samples were collected.. 133Cs levels were
measured by ICPMS using a Perkin Elmer ELAN 6100 equipped with a dynamic reaction cell, dual
detector, Meinhard type quartz nebulizer, quartz cyclonic spray chamber, platinum skimmer and
sampler cones, and AS90 Plus autosampler. Sample were diluted in an alkaline Triton X-100 / EDTA /
gold / n-butanol detergent using 193Ir as an internal standard. Cs replicate values were interpolated
from a calibration curve generated using serial dilution of a single element Cs standard. Ir was used
as the internal standard. The analysis showed serum Cs levels of 48, 45 and 35 mg/L, on days 0, 11
and 29, respectively. Whole blood Cs results were: 246, 180, 120 mg/L on days 1, 11, and 29,
respectively (> 100 X values in controls). A 24 h urine collection (day 11) had a Cs level of 262 mg/L
(62000 X value in controls). She had concurrent hypokalemia (3.0 mmol/L) on day 0. Several animal
and human studies have reported CsCl induced cardiac arrhythmias. The toxigenic mechanism
appears to be Cs induced blockade of potassium channels leading to prolonged repolarization of
cardiac myocytes. This impairment in repolarization leads to generation of a Q on T phenomenom
that predisposes individuals to ventricular fibrillation. While CsCl toxicity is well documented, its
anticancer properties remain only speculative.
11.P27
MATERNAL-TO-FETAL CADMIUM TRANSFER AND ITS EFFECTS ON TRACE ELEMENT
REGULATION IN THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF FEMALE RATS
Hisayoshi Ohta 1, Yasuhiro Nakamura 1, Yohei Ohkawa 1, Yoshifumi Ohmori 1, and Keiji Suzuki 2
1
Kitasato University (Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan); 2 Gunma University (Maebashi, Japan)
Maternal-to-fetal transfer of Cd and the effect on trace element (zinc, copper) regulation was
investigated in the reproductive organ and newborn rats. Mother rats were given Cd orally (1, 2, 5
mgCd/kg) for 6 days a week. Cd administration was continued during the mating, the gravid, and the
lactation periods. Concentrations of Cd, Zn, Cu, metallothionine(MT) were measured in the liver and
kidney of neonate rats, and the immunohistopathological examination of uterine and placental tissues
was performed at the 19th day of pregnancy. Cd accumulation increased dose-dependently in uterinel
and placenal tissues of mother rat depending on the increase of Cd intake. Cu concentration in
placental tissue decreased corresponding to Cd accumulation. Remarkable decrease of Cu
accumulation in high molecular weight and MT fraction, corresponding to the increased accumulation
of Cd in both the fractions of placental cytosol, was found at the 19th day of pregnancy. The induction
of MT protein in placental tissue was saturated to the Cd accumulation in the groups of 2 and 5
mgCd/kg. On the other hand, the atrophy disorder of syncytial trophoblast of placental tissue was
found depending on the increase of Cd intake in groups receiving 2 or 5 mgCd/kg, and particularly
prominent in the 5 mgCd/kg group. Cd concentration in liver and kidney of neonate rat (1 day old)
increased depending on the increase of Cd intake of mother rats. Cd concentration level in the liver of
neonate rats was higher than that of kidney. Zn and Cu concentrations in liver and kidney of neonate
rats decreased with corresponding in the Cd accumulation of both organs. From the results of Cd
distribution of neonate rats, it was suggested that Cd not bound by MT was passed or leaked into the
fetus through the uterine-placental barrier by damage to the syncytial trophoblast.
11.P28
TETRATHIOMOLYBDATE FOR WILSON’S DISEASE INHIBITS COPPER-DEPENDENT LIPID
PEROXIDATION
John Althaus 1, Christian Althaus 1, Charles Bisgaier 1, Steve Kanzer 1, and George Brewer 2
1
Pipex Pharmaceuticals (Ann Arbor, USA); 2 University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, USA)
Wilson’s Disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder which causes copper to be
elevated in blood, urine, liver and brain. Current therapies using copper chelation (e.g. Penicilliamine)
are shown to cause neurologic worsening in neurologically presenting WD. Of concern is that these
therapies increase the availability of unchaperoned circulating free copper which by its very chemical
nature may cause generation of toxic reactive oxygen species. In fact studies show that in WD, lipid
peroxidation (LP) and its byproducts are elevated giving rise to additional secondary pathologies
including cancer. We are developing tetrathiomolybdate (TM) as a drug for the treatment of WD. The
mechanism of action of TM involves a unique complexation and neutralization of free copper in the
stomach, intestines and blood stream. As such, we wanted to know if TM would inhibit copperdependent LP. To test this hypothesis, we developed a model of LP using linoleic acid micelles.
Linoleic acid micelles (10 mM) were incubated with copper sulfate or buffer for 18 hours at 40 OC. We
then made visable-absorbing adducts of malonlydialdehyde and hydroxyl nonenal (byproducts of LP)
by reaction with TBA and MBTH, respectively. LP of linoleic acid micelles following incubation was
then quantified by absorbance readings at 414 nm. The results indicated that copper-dependent LP
was dose and time dependent. Based on these findings, linoleic acid micelles were incubated with
copper sulfate at 100 µM for 18 hours at 40 OC as conditions for testing drugs that inhibited LP.
These conditions gave absorbances that were 8 time above background. TM inhibited LP by 40% and
90% at 10 µM and 100 µM respectively. By comparison, Trientine inhibited LP by only 17% at 1000
µM and penicillamine actually increased LP by 30% at 1000 µM. The concentrations of drugs tested
in the experiments described above represent clinically relevant doses. Mechanism of action will be
provided.
11.S01
IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF METALLOTHIONEINS IN LIVER AND KIDNEY OF WISTAR RATS
EXPOSED TO CADMIUM
Yihuai Liang 1, Huiqi Li 1, Lijian Lei 1, Taiyi Jin (1, 3), Monica Nordberg 2, and Gunnar Nordberg 3
1
Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University (Shanghai, China); 2
Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden); 3 Environmental
Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University (Umea, Sweden)
The present study aimed to investigate the induction of metallothionein (MT) in rats exposed to
cadmium chloride (CdCl2) via drinking water. 32 Wistar rats, including both genders, were given
cadmium chloride in drinking water at the doses of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg Cd/day kg body weight,
respectively, for up to 12 weeks. After sacrifice, paraffin-embedded liver and kidney tissue blocks
were sectioned and subjected to immunohistochemistry for MT localization. The significant
immunoreactive MT (irMT) was observed in tissues of rats at the highest dose, which showed a doseeffect relationship. Furthermore, rats in each group had stronger MT staining in kidney that was
localized mainly in renal cortex and less irMT expression in renal medulla, compared to liver. It has
been demonstrated that cadmium exposure results in significant MT synthesis, but the quantity of
expression varies with and within organs.
11.S02
ROLE OF SELENIUM IN SEAFOOD RISK:BENEFIT EVALUATIONS
Nicholas Ralston 1, and John Kaneko 2
1
University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, USA); 2 PACMAR (Honolulu, USA)
Maternal consumption of common varieties of ocean fish has not been associated with adverse fetal
neurodevelopmental outcomes. Instead, recent studies find increasing maternal fish consumption
benefited child neurodevelopment, while maternal avoidance of fish had adverse consequences. The
protective effects of selenium (Se) against Hg toxicity have been recognized for over 50 years, and
have been demonstrated in all animal models evaluated. Since interactions between Se and Hg and
their molar ratios in seafood are essential factors in evaluating risks associated with dietary Hg
exposure, considering Hg content alone is an inadequate means of assessing risk. In this study, the
absolute and molar concentrations of Hg and Se were determined in edible portions from 420
individual fish representing 15 species of pelagic fish collected from the central North Pacific Ocean
near Hawaii. A molar excess of Se in relation to Hg was observed in most fish species. The rank
order of Se:Hg molar ratios was striped marlin (17.6)> yellowfin tuna (14.1)> mahimahi (13.1)>
skipjack tuna (12.8)> spearfish (11.4)> wahoo (10.8)> sickle pomfret (6.7)> albacore tuna (5.3)>
bigeye tuna (5.2)> blue marlin (4.1)> escolar (2.4)> opah (2.3)> thresher shark (1.5)> swordfish (1.2)>
mako shark (0.5). Mako shark may be hazardous for maternal consumption since its Se:Hg ratio
approaches that of pilot whale meat (~0.25), an uncommon food known to be associated with adverse
effects on child development. Although ocean fish are generally Se-rich, the amount of protective Se
present in fresh water fish can vary dramatically. Consumption of fish with the same Hg concentration
that are not associated with harm in a Se-rich fish could cause significant harm if present in a Se-poor
food. Comprehensive criteria that incorporate the absolute and relative amounts of Se and Hg present
in fish are needed to improve dietary Hg risk assessment and assure quality maternal nutrition for
optimal child development.
11.S03
ZINC PROTOPORPHYRIN IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF LEAD LEVELS IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRY SETTINGS WHERE LEAD LEVELS ARE HIGH
Sunil Sazawal 1, Usha Dhingra 1, Saikat Deb 1, Pratibha Dhingra 2, Archana Sarkar 2, Venugopal P
Menon 2, and Robert E Black 1
1
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA); 2 Center for Micronutrient Research,Annamalai
University (New Delhi, India)
Chronic lead poisoning and iron deficiency are highly prevalent in urban children. Studies have shown
a link between iron deficiency and elevated blood lead levels. Lead initiates ferrochelatase inhibition,
which impedes binding of iron to protoporhyrin IX, leading to protoporphyrin accumulation. This
increase in protoporphyrins serves as a lead exposure marker. This tool was discarded in developed
countries because of decline in lead levels below the linear association range. In developing countries
with high prevalence of lead it can still be a useful tool. As a part of randomized controlled trial, we
evaluated the association of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) to blood lead levels among children aged 1-3
years in urban North India. In cohort of 1246 peri-urban children in Delhi enrolled in a clinical trial,
after consent, information about socio-economic and demographic profile of the household was
collected and detailed physical examination was carried out. All the children were given intervention
for one year and at end study blood samples were drawn for estimating ZnPP using a fluorometer
(Aviv Biomedical, Lakewood NJ) and blood lead levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometer
with a graphite furnace (Perkin Elmer Analyst 800). The EDTA blood was analyzed on the same day
with Coulter automated hematology analyzer for a detailed hemogram. The mean ZnPP (µmole/g of
heme) and blood lead levels (µg/dL) of children were found to be 106.39 and 17.8 respectively.
Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate ZnPP as a predictor of blood lead
levels and result indicated that ZnPP was a strong predictor of blood lead levels in children after
adjusting for covariates such as age and hemoglobin levels. Blood lead=25.83+0.09*ZnPP-0.15*age0.31*Hb. Given the good correlation between high blood lead levels and increase in ZnPP, this seems
to be rapid, reliable and economical screening method for lead intoxication among children in Indian
setting.
11.S04
CADMIUM REDUCES BETA-CASEIN GENE EXPRESSION IN SECRETING MURINE MAMMARY
EPITHELIAL CELLS
Helena Öhrvik, Maria Nyström, Agneta Oskarsson, and Jonas Tallkvist
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Uppsala, Sweden)
We have recently demonstrated a significant negative dose-response relationship between beta-
casein expression in the lactating mammary tissue and exposure levels of Cd in mice, indicating that
Cd may disturb milk synthesis. The mechanism is not known but may involve a direct effect by Cd on
the milk producing mammary epithelial cells as it has also previously been shown that Cd
accumulates in the lactating mammary glands and that the element is only poorly distributed into milk.
Herein we have used a murine mammary epithelial cell model (HC11) to investigate the effect of Cd
on the secreting mammary epithelium in vitro. HC11 cells were differentiated into a milk protein
synthesizing phenotype as demonstrated by beta-casein gene expression. The cells were treated with
0.06, 0.12 or 2.5 uM of Cd, as CdCl2, during differentiation and beta-casein gene expression was
measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The levels of ATP in the cells and LDH in the culturing
medium were determined at the end of the Cd treatments. Our results show that Cd treatment
downregulates beta-casein gene expression in the differentiated HC11-cells in a dose dependent
manner. ATP- and LDH-levels were not affected at any of the Cd doses examined demonstrating that
the reduced beta-casein expression is not caused by a compromised viability or membrane integrity
of the HC11-cells. Our results are in line with the hypothesis that Cd disturbs milk protein synthesis in
the lactating mammary tissue and indicate that Cd affects beta-casein gene expression in the
secreting mammary epithelium directly.
11.S05
BROMIDE INTERFERENCE WITH IODINE METABOLISM IN THE RAT
Stanislav Pavelka
Institute of Physiology, Czech Acad. Sci., Prague, and Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno,
Czech Republic (Prague 4, Czech Republic)
We studied the effects of an enhanced bromide intake on various aspects of iodine metabolism in the
rat. Our studies were performed both under conditions of sufficient iodine supply and of iodine
deficiency. We followed the influence of an extremely high bromide intake (> 160 mg bromide per
animal per day) and also of lower intakes on the uptake of 131I-iodide by the thyroid and by various
others organs and tissues, as well as on the kinetics of elimination of iodine from the animal’s body. In
addition to adult male rats we used also lactating rat dams and their pups. In the latter animals, we
studied the effects of very high bromide intake in the mothers on their performance in the course of
nursing period, on the transfer of iodine and bromide through mother’s milk to the suckling, and on the
prosperity of afflicted young. The results have shown that high levels of bromide in the organism of
experimental animals could influence their iodine metabolism in two parallel ways: by a decrease in
iodide accumulation in the thyroid, and in the mammary glands in case of lactating dams, and by a
rise in iodine excretion by the kidneys. An increase in the relative weight of the thyroids and a
significant decrease in the uptake of radioiodide by the thyroids were found in rats with the highest
bromide intake, especially in those fed the low-iodine diet. Very high intake of bromide in the mothers
caused stagnation in the extent of their diet and water consumption in the course of lactation period,
and a striking drop in the production rate of mother’s milk. As a consequence, a marked decrease in
the body weight increments in their young was observed. In addition, excess bromide in the mothers
significantly depressed the extent of iodine transfer from the dams to suckling through mother’s milk.
We have also proved that bromide similarly to iodide readily penetrated into rat milk and via mother’s
milk was transferred in a large extent into the body of suckling.
11.S06
TRACE ELEMENT STATUS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL AFTER PRT MISSION
Rima Naginiene 1, Ramute Vaicaitiene 2, Dale Baranauskiene 1, Jolanta Gurauskiene 2, Jadvyga
Milieskiene 2, Stasys Ryselis 1, and Olegas Abdrachmanovas 1
1
Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine (Kaunas, Lithuania); 2 Military
Medical Service of Lithuanian Armed Forces (Kaunas, Lithuania)
Military service usually is connected with high psycho-physiological stress and intoxication risk due to
various exposures. The exposure to toxic metals along with stress may lead to the zinc deficiency.
The aim of present pilot study was to evaluate the trace elements status (TES) in military personnel
after 6-months service in international PRT (Province reconstruction team) mission (Afghanistan), and
to assess the dietary and behavioural impact on TES in their organism. Questionnaire based data (29
items), vein blood, hair and spot urine samples were collected on the second day after return. We
evaluated (spectrophotometer and AAS) the enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-
ALAD) activity and concentration of lead, cadmium, zinc, and delta-aminolevulinic acid. Data were
treated statistically (EPI-Info package). The participants gave their written consent. Mean(SD) age of
38 participants was 31(6.8) years, 81.6 percent of those were male. Smoking habits reported 60.5
percent, usage of vitamin supplements – 62.9 percent, additional food supplements – 29.4 percent of
servicemen. Mean concentration of trace elements in organism was found to be within normal
physiological range. Concentration of lead and cadmium in smokers vs. non-smokers was
significantly higher, while the activity of delta-ALAD was lower. The usage of food supplements
significantly decreased blood lead level, though the usage was higher among non-smokers.
International military operations were not significant risk factor for environmental exposure to toxic
metals. Smoking significantly influenced the changes in TES. Food supplements usage was shown to
be preventive factor against environmental and behavioural exposures, and maintaining the safe level
of essential (zinc) trace elements. Acknowledgment: researchers express sincere gratitude to all
participants for their contribution to the military health prevention programs.
11.S07
INDUCTION OF METALLOTHIONEIN MRNA IN THE CEREBRUM AND CEREBELLUM AFTER A
LOW DOSE OF THYMEROSAL INJECTION
Takeshi Minami
Kinki University, School of Science & Engineering (Higashi-osaka, Japan)
Thymerosal, an analogue of ethyl mercury, is used as a preservative agent in vaccines around the
world. Mercury has been previously detected in the cerebrum of mouse when a high dose of
thymerosal was injected subcutaneously into the mouse with the concentration of mercury in the
cerebrum maintained for one week. However, mercury was not detected in the cerebrum of the
mouse when thymerosal was injected into the mouse using the same quantity as a usual dose for
human. Therefore, it was thought that there was no effect in the cerebrum after thymerosal was
injected into man. However, it is possible that a little mercury shifts to the brain and has an influence
on it. Here, we observed mRNA level of metallothionein (MT) in the cerebrum and cerebellum of
mouse after an injection of thymerosal, as MT is an inducible protein by various stimuli. MT-1 mRNA
increased in the cerebrum 6 and 9 hours after 12 µg/kg of thymerosal was injected into the mouse. By
contrast, the MT-1 mRNA level dramatically increased in the cerebellum 6 and 9 hours after the
injection. In addition, MT-2 and MT-3 mRNA levels also increased in the cerebellum. An over dose of
6 µg/kg of thymerosal increased the MT-1, MT-2, and MT-3 mRNA levels in the cerebellum at 6
hours, and increased MT-1 protein level in the cerebellum at 10 hours. The present results show
thymerosal may affect the neuron in the cerebellum rather than the cerebrum, even though a low
dose of thymerosal is used.
11.S08
SOD GENE EXPRESSION AND ACTIVITIES IN KIDNEY FROM RATS EXPOSED TO CADMIUM
Xiang Cuiqin 1, Mei Bing 2, and Wu Zirong 3
1
Shanghai Center for Diseas Control & Prevention (Shanghai, China); 2 East China Normal University
(Shanghai, China); 3 East China Normal University (Shanghai, China)
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of cadmium-induced renal oxidation damage.
Rats were given by subcutaneous injection of CdCl2 (0.65 or 2.28mg/kg), once per day sustaining for
5 days. SOD mRNA expression and SOD activity were determined at different time after termination
of treatment, at same time the cadmium concentration in kidneys were analyzed and the kidney
ultrastructure was examined. The results showed that the mitochondria of renal proximal tubular cells
in two treated groups were earliest damaged, and their SOD mRNA expression level was lower than
that in control group. As for the scanning integral at dot blotting spots, the difference was statistically
significant between the high dose group (35400±5900), the low dose group (35919±7361) and the
control group (70928±7698). These changes observed in treated groups have a tendency to recover
after treatment. In the low dose group, at 72h after treatment the recovery was so good and nearly
reached the level as in the control group. The reduction in SOD activity appeared after morphological
change and inhibition of mRNA transcription. The authors concluded that inhibition of SOD gene
expression may be one of the important factors to cause renal damage by cadmium. Renal damage
caused by low dose cadmium with the change mentioned above may be recovered.
Category 12: Trace Element Detection and Quantification
12.P01
DETERMINATION OF SERUM/PLASMA CERULOPLASMIN AND FREE-COPPER BY
HPLC/INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF
WILSON DISEASE
Kenji Kobayashi 1, Rizky Abdulah 1, Yoko Katsuya 1, Chie Fujisawa 2, Takeaki Nagamine 3, Tomoko
Suzuki 4, Takashi Ishige 4, Akihiro Morikawa 4, Masami Murakami 5, Norikazu Shimizu 6, Hiroko
Kodama 2, and Hiroshi Koyama 2
1
Department of Public Health, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Mebashi, Japan); 2
Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan); 3 School of Health
Science, Gunma University (Maebashi, Japan); 4 Department of Pediatrics & Developmental
Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan); 5 Department of
Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Maebashi, Japan); 6
The second Department of Pediatrics, Toho University School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of the copper (Cu) metabolism. It is
treatable, but delay of the diagnosis will make the treatment more difficult. The establishment of an
analytical method for early diagnosis is effective for early treatment. In the normal subject, 95% of
plasma Cu is bound to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and excreted into the bloodstream in the form of Cu-bound
protein (holo-ceruloplasmin). The remaining (free-Cu) is loosely bound with albumin and amino acids.
In WD patients, Cu is not incorporated into Cp within the liver, and not excreted efficiently into bile. As
a result, Cu is accumulated in the liver and eventually released into the bloodstream as a free-Cu and
deposited in brain, kidneys, and cornea. Finally, the concentration of free-Cu is increase in the serum.
In the present study, we analyzed the Cu distribution in the serum/plasma by HPLC/inductively
coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as the new tool for the diagnosis of WD. With this
method, Cu was detected at a retention time of 12.2 and 14.0 min in the serum of a normal subject.
The retention time of Cu was 12.2 min, coincide with Cp standard. In WD patients, no significant Cu
was detected within this retention time. These results indicate that a normal level of holo-Cp was not
detected in the serum of WD patients using this method. In the case of plasma sample from a normal
subject collected with tubes containing EDTA-2Na, Cu was detected at a retention time of 12.2 and
15.6 min. The Cu peak at a retention time of 15.6 min corresponded to Cu standard, which was
prepared in the tubes containing EDTA-2Na. This result showed that free-Cu was bound with EDTA in
the plasma, and clearly detected with this method. We demonstrated here that the analysis of Cu
distribution in serum/plasma by HPLC/ICP-MS is beneficial as a novel tool for the diagnosis of WD.
12.P02
DETERMINATION OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN VARIOUS FOOD SAMPLES BY GRAPHITE
FURNACE ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY AFTER SEPARATION BY USING THE
COPRECIPITATION METHOD
Tülay OYMAK 1, Şerife TOKALIOĞLU 2, Vedat YILMAZ 2, Şenol KARTAL 2, and Didem AYDIN 2
1
Gazi University (Ankara, Turkey); 2 Erciyes Universiry (Kayseri, Turkey)
In this study, the coprecipitation method developed using a combination of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole
(MBT) as a chelating reagent and copper as coprecipitate carrier was used for the determination of
trace lead and cadmium in various food samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
(GFAAS). The working conditions of the optimized coprecipitation method were as follows; pH: 9.0,
the amount of carrier element: 750 µg Cu(II), reagent amount: 1 mL of 1 % (w/v) MBT, standing time:
10 min and sample volume: 750 mL. The method was applied for the determination of Pb(II) and
Cd(II) in salami, sausage, chicken, liver, anchovy, spinach, cabbage, leek, onion, dill, parsley and tea
samples. To dissolve the vegetable samples, firstly concentrated HNO3 of 65% (w/w) and then
concentrated H2O2 of 35% (w/w) were used. The digestion of the other samples was performed by
using mixtures of HNO3 of 65% (w/w), HClO4 of 70% (w/w) and H2SO4 of 96% (w/w) acids. After the
coprecipitation method was applied, Pb(II) and Cd(II) in the samples were determined by using
GFAAS. The matrix modifiers were added as 50 µg NH4H2PO4 + 3 µg Mg(NO3)2 for both Pb(II) and
Cd(II). The signals were measured as peak area. The results of analyses (as mean value, n=3) for
Pb(II) and Cd(II) in the food samples were as following: 54 and 5.77 ng g-1 in the salami, 54 and 3.59
ng g-1 in the sausage, 44 and 2.82 ng g-1 in the chicken, 0.04 and 0.03 µg g-1 in the liver, < DL and
6.04 ng g-1 in the anchovy, 3.30 and 0.08 µg g-1 in the spinach, 0.87 and 0.05 µg g-1 in the cabbage,
57 and 8.70 ng g-1 in the leek, 1.59 and 0.06 µg g-1 in the onion, 2.12 and 0.07 µg g-1 in the dill, 2.54
and 0.05 µg g-1 in the parsley, and 0.92 and 0.03 µg g-1 in the tea, respectively.
12.P03
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF CADMIUM AND
LEAD IN OFFAL BY Z-ETA-AAS
Sepe Alessandra, Giordano Rosa, D'ilio Sonia, Colabucci Andrea, Ciprotti Maria, Di Gregorio Marco,
and Costantini Sergio
Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Rome, Italy)
Cadmium and lead are present as contaminants in the environment and in foodstuffs and show a
great toxicity for humans. Even if the presence of these elements is being constantly reduced through
better manufacturing and agricultural practices, the Commission of the European Union (Commission
Regulation no. 466/2001; replaced by Commission Regulation no 1881/2006) set maximum levels for
these contaminants. As for edible offal of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry, the maximum level of
cadmium is set at 0.50 and at 1.0 mg/kg wet weight for liver and kidney, respectively; as for lead, the
maximum level is set at 0.50 mg/kg w/w. A method was developed on veal liver spiked at the
maximum level of the elements; a microwave assisted chemical digestion was applied and, then, the
analytical solutions were properly diluted and analyzed. The Z-ETA-AAS was chosen to determine the
elements of interest. The working temperatures were experimentally set. As for matrix modifiers,
mixtures of 0.050 mg NH4H2PO4 + 0.003 mg Mg(NO3)2 and of 0.0025 mg Pd + 0.0015 Mg(NO3)2
were used for the determination of cadmium and lead, respectively. The recovery value at the
maximum level was of 101.2% for cadmium and of 101.9% for lead ; as for cadmium, the repeatability
and within-laboratory reproducibility values were of 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively, and of 2.8% and
3.6% for lead. The linearity range for cadmium was from 0.1 µg/l to 5.0 µg/l, and from 1.0 µg/l to 60.0
µg/l for Lead. The expanded uncertainty was calculated for both elements at the maximum level,
obtaining the results of 7.5% for cadmium and of 8.6% for lead. The LOQs of the method were of 0.51
µg/Kg and 32.0 µg/Kg for cadmium and Lead, respectively. As for stability studies, the analyses were
carried out for a period of 13 weeks. The ruggedness of the method was evaluated by applying the
Youden approach, to this end, seven different parameters were chosen and tested.
12.P04
SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF A NEW CHELATING RESIN FUNCTIONALIZED WITH
SALICYLALDOXIME FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PB(II), NI(II), CU(II) AND MN(II) IONS IN
WATER SAMPLES BY FLAME ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY
Şerife Tokalioglu, and Şenol Kartal
Erciyes University (Kayseri, Turkey)
Amberlite XAD-1180 was functionalized with salicylaldoxime by coupling it through an -N=N- spacer
to obtain a chelating resin for separation and preconcentration of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Mn(II) in
water samples prior to the determination by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The resulting
chelating resin was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and used as solid sorbent. Different
factors including pH of sample solution, amount of solid phase, volume and concentration of eluent,
sample volume and matrix effects were optimized to obtain quantitative recovery of the analytes. The
optimum pH value for quantitative sorption was 6.0 and all the metal ions could be eluted using 5 mL
of 1 mol L-1 HNO3. A good relative standard deviation (≤ 2.1 %), quantitative recovery (≥ 92 %), high
enrichment factor (100 for Pb and 150 for Ni(II), Cu(II) and Mn(II)) and low detection limits (from 0.2 to
1.6 µg L-1) were obtained. The accuracy of the developed procedure was confirmed by determining
the analytes in a certified reference material (TMDA-62, lake water) and analysing spiked water
samples. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the analytes in well water
samples with satisfactory results.
12.P05
EFFECTS OF FORMALIN FIXATION ON TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL
TISSUE
Kristin Gellein 1, Trond Peder Flaten 1, Ketih Erikson 2, Michael Aschner 3, and Tore Syversen 1
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 Univeristy of North
Carolina Grensboro (Grensboro, USA); 3 Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, USA)
There is frequently a need to preserve biological samples before chemical analysis. A common
concern is that reagents, equipment or the environment may contaminate the samples, resulting in
elevated concentrations of analytes. However, the converse may also be true; that preservation
procedures cause loss of analytes from samples. We have found that storage of human and rat brain
tissue in formalin has extracted trace elements from the samples into the formalin solution. Both
samples and formalin were analysed for 20 trace elements employing high resolution ICP-MS. The
brain samples had been stored in formalin for different time durations ranging from weeks to decades.
We found that for most trace elements, there is a significant leakage from the tissue into the formalin
solution, and this leakage increases over time. For some elements, the concentrations in the formalin
solution increase more than 100-fold upon long-term storage.
12.P06
THE CRL-ISS PROFICIENCY TESTS ON TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEAT AND MILK:
ORGANIZATION AND RESULTS
Ciaralli Laura, Senofonte Oreste, Giordano Rosa, Violante Nicola, Sepe Alessandra, D'Amato
Marilena, Colabucci Andrea, and Costantini Sergio
Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Roma, Italy)
The CRL-ISS carries out its activity within the Istituto Superiore di Sanità with the institutional task of
organising inter-laboratory studies for the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) of the European
Union Member States, to which the control of chemical elements in food of animal origin such as fish,
meat, milk, honey etc is requested. Proficiency Tests are an important and necessary means to prove
the quality of data provided to customers. Since these data are often the basis for decision in the
testing of official samples they deserve the utmost attention. As for chemical elements, certified
reference materials hardly contain a level corresponding or around the permitted limit (PL), therefore,
it was necessary to prepare ad hoc materials having a concentration around it. In this work, the results
of 10th PT, related to the analysis of elements such as arsenic, cadmium and lead in meat and milk,
are viewed. Two samples of freeze-dried meat were sent to the laboratories for the first round and two
samples of freeze-dried milk for the second. Since the natural levels of analytes in fresh samples were
below the quantification limit, spiked materials were prepared in order to obtain levels of elements
around PLs in the final samples. As for the results and their statistical treatment, the scanty number of
participating laboratories (25) made it necessary to use robust statistics. Among the analysed
elements some anomalous data were observed only for Lead and particularly in meat. Considering
that criteria used for the choice of sigma targets generated quite small values, the high frequency of
robust standard deviations, lower than such values, shows that precision was the main characteristic
of this study, especially for Arsenic and Cadmium. As for Lead, the observed performance has been
slightly lower compared with that of other elements, thus confirming the intrinsic difficulty of the
analysis.
12.P07
DRINKING WATER: AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR THE HUMAN EXISTENCE
CICAL ELENA GABRIELA 1, MECEA MIRCEA 2, GASPARIK GEZA 2, and BURTICA GEORGETA 3
SC VITAL SA (Baia Mare, Romania); 2 SC VITAL SA (BAIA MARE, Romania); 3 University
“Politehnica” Timisoara (TIMISOARA, Romania)
1
Water is an indispensable factor for the human organism. In natural conditions, water is never found
in a pure state, there is always some quantities of dissolved chemical substances or in suspension.
The suspension removal is an obligation of water treatment stations, which by treatment procedures,
realize a technological flux which assure the drinking water quality in the limits anticipated by the law.
The Firiza Lake represents for the moment the alimentation sources of water of the Baia Mare
municipal, Romania country. The paper presents studies regarding the water quality from the
accumulation lake, characterized by higher turbidity in the studied period, and also the water
treatment possibilities with new coagulation reagents (aluminium bases poly chlorines) and
alkalization, compared to aluminium sulphate and calcium hydroxide, following the efficiency and
inefficiency of those in the colloidal systems destabilization, and zeta potential reduction. Aluminium
base polychlorines use in the water treatment present the advantage that they react very quickly with
the water, assure a good removal of the organic matters from water only by coagulation, leave a small
value of residual aluminium in the treated water and correspond to the European requirements. On
installation, it can be dosed and also diluted. The experimentally obtained values for the treated water
for turbidity, oxidability, and residual aluminium, nitrites, and nitrates are in accordance with the raw
requirements. The water treatment technique presents the advantage that it can be applied practically
on a small automated installation, this being the major reason of this effectuated study. In
consequence, the further studies allowed the applying in practice of this treatment techniques at the
water drink ability station from the Baia Mare locality in Romania.
12.P08
IODINE SPECIATION IN THYROID GLAND BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID
CHROMATOGRAPHY COUPLED WITH INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS
SPECTROMETRY
Nereida Carrion 1, José Zabala 1, Miguel Murillo 1, Nelly Seijas 2, and Leopoldo Duarte 3
1
Universidad Central de Venezuela (Caracas, Venezuela); 2 Morgue Forense (Caracas, Venezuela);
3
Hospital Vargas de Caracas (Caracas, Venezuela)
A method allowing the determination of iodine species in thyroid gland tissues has been developed. It
was based on the coupling of high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line selective detection
of iodine by ICPMS. Experimental conditions for the extraction, proteolysis, separation and detection
of the iodoamino acids in the thyroid gland were optimized. An efficiency of iodine extraction of 88 %
from the thyroid gland tissue was achieved using an ultrasonic titanium-point homogenizer.
Proteolysis was carried out by incubating the sample with the Pronase E enzyme for 24 hours at 37
ºC in complete darkness. In order to prevent a high load of organic solvent, from the mobile phase,
reaching the torch, a refrigerated spray chamber was used. This would result in a good stability of the
plasma discharge. The experimental conditions were optimized for the determination of different
iodine species: iodide (I-), mono-iodine thyrosine (MIT), di-iodine thyrosine (DIT), tri-iodine thyronine
(T3), reverse tri-iodine thyronine (rT3) and thyroxina (T4). The influence of the methanol
concentration, flow of the mobile phase, methanol gradient, plasma power, flow of nebulizer gas, and
dweel time on the retention times (separation) and the signal intensity was evaluated. The relative
standard deviation was lower than 8%. Good separation of the iodine-aminoacid compounds present
in thyroid gland tissues was obtained using the coupling of HPLC-ICPMS. The dominant species in
the thyroid gland of healthy individuals are iodide and the species MIT. Di-iodine thyrosine (DIT), T3
and T4 were also detected in a lesser proportion. However, the rT3 specie was not detected in these
extracts.
12.P09
FIELD-BASED ARSENIC SPECIATION IN ARGENTINEAN WATER SAMPLES: LINK TO
ARSENIC POISONING
Jenny O'Reilly 1, Michael Watts 2, and Neil Ward 1
1
University of Surrey (Guildford, United Kingdom); 2 British Geological Survey (Nottingham, United
Kingdom)
In recent years arsenic (As) has become a major concern in terms of its toxicological effects on
humans and the environment. Studies are needed to help identify and quantify the levels of As that
preside in the environment, particularly the more toxic As3+ species. Development of a field-based
method utilizing disposable Bond Elut SPE cartridges incorporating strong cation exchange (SCX)
and strong anion exchange (SAX) phases for the determination of As3+, As5+, DMA and MMA has
been employed for waters (well, river, tap and bottled). This methodology enables the separation and
preservation of As species in the field with subsequent elution and analysis in the laboratory. Each
fraction is analysed by ICP-MS for total As, with correction for the polyatomic 40Ar35Cl+ and
validation using CRM’s and inter-laboratory comparison data. Separation of As using the cartridges
was confirmed by RP-HPLC-ICP-MS. The field-based method was employed on waters from various
rural areas of Argentina (La Pampa, Santiago del Estero and San Juan), where total As levels have
been reported to be as high as 8000 µg/l. High levels of naturally occurring As in groundwater in
Argentina have been further affected through extensive mining of gold in areas such as San Juan. In
La Pampa As levels in well water are over 700 µg/l (WHO level for drinking water is 10 µg/l As).
Contaminated well waters provide a possible uptake of As into the local populace, potentially leading
to chronic As poisoning. Therefore studies have been carried out on human and animal samples to
establish a link between the natural As levels and the current state of health. Human health in regions
like La Pampa and Santiago del Estero have reported many cases of skin legions, pigmentation
changes, hyperkeratosis and various forms of cancer associated with the consumption of this water.
12.P10
MULTIVARIATE DATA VISUALIZATION METHODS BASED ON ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF
HERBAL DRUGS BY ICP-MS
Biljana Marosanovic 1, Vesna Kilibarda 2, and Slavica Razic 3
SP Laboratorija (Becej, Serbia); 2 Military Medical Academy, Poison Control Centre, Department of
toxicological chemistry (Belgrade, Serbia); 3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Analytical Chemistry,
University of Belgrade (Belgrade, Serbia)
1
The objective of this work is to demonstrate the power of chemometrics methods of analysis to
identify possible sources of influence and specific elemental profiles within data set of 45 herbal drugs
and their pharmaceutical formulations. All samples were provided from the Serbian market and prior
to the measurements micro-wave acid assisted digestion procedure was applied. Complete
procedure, from sample preparation, via measurements to the data evaluation was validated
according the rules of good analytical practice. Having in mind a significant diversity of samples and in
order to highlight complex and high dimensional quantitative relationships a common chemometrics
approach to data analysis was used. Nine elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Hg and Pb) were
chosen as chemical descriptors and experimental data obtained by Inductively coupled plasma - Mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) were subjected to multivariate multivariate data visualization methods. In
order to identify the patterns and correlations between elements pattern recognition techniques, such
as Principal Component and Cluster Analysis (PCA and CA) were selected as appropriate. When
PCA was applied to the autoscaled data matrix, with eigen analysis as initial, three Principal
Components (PCs) were extracted, according to the Kaiser criterion which explain up to 64.30% of
variance. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis has shown well differentiated clusters at
significant similarity levels. The features responsible for samples/chemical descriptors grouping refer
to the high diversity of herbal drugs and their dosage forms as well as to the elemental patterns
obtained within analyzed data set.
12.P11
METHYL MERCURY IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS BY ISOTOPE DILUTION
Douglas Baxter, Ilia Rodushkin, and Ingemar Berglund
ALS Scandinavia (Luleå, Sweden)
Interest in being able to distinguish between different chemical forms of the same element, so called
speciation, is probably most evident in the case of mercury. Nevertheless, the only analytical method
for speciation that has achieved international recognition to date is that of the US EPA, Method 1630,
for methyl mercury in water. Based on Method 1630 and previous work with whole blood, we have
developed methods allowing methyl mercury measurement in human serum and urine samples.
These methods feature calibration by isotope dilution and detection of gas chromatographically
resolved mercury species by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the importance of which
will be discussed. Method validation approaches, analytical capabilities, and selected examples from
routine applications will be presented.
12.P12
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF MERCURY AIR POLLUTION
Zdravko Spiric 1, Marina Frontasyeva 2, Trajce Stafilov 3, Vangelica Enimiteva 4, Dragan Bukovec 5,
and Zrinka Mesic 1
1
Oikon Ltd. - Institute for Applied Ecology ( Zagreb, Croatia); 2 Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics,
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russian Federation); 3 Institute of Chemistry Faculty of
Science St. Cyril and Methodius University (Skopje, Macedonia); 4 Institute of Chemistry Faculty of
Science St. Cyril and Methodius University (Skopje, Macedonia); 5 Croatian Natural History Museum
Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia)
This paper deals with a fraction of results covering the heavy metal measurement in ambient air by
using moss monitoring with special emphasis on mercury. Mercury and its compounds are very
hazardous and even in small amounts have extremely harmful effect on human health and
ecosystem. Atmosphere is an important pathway for mercury cycling in the environment while
bioindicators species (lichens, moss) proved to be effective and efficient tool for mercury effect-related
air quality monitoring. Identification and quantification of mercury as atmospheric pollutant in
bioindicating organisms is especially important for spatially and cumulative long term monitoring of
mercury concentrations in the air with purpose of reduction and/or prevention of health and ecological
risks. During the year 2006 moss samples have been collected on the territory of Croatia to assess
deposition and accumulation of air pollutants. The sampling points were located over the entire
country and moss samples will serve as indicators of air quality and environmental changes on the
area explored. The samples were analyzed with multielemental Instrumental Neutron epithermal
activation analysis and cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. According to average mercury
concentration 0.067 mg/kg, minimum 0.007 mg/kg and maximum 0.064 mg/kg, the mercury
distribution map from the Croatian moss campaign was constructed. This research aims to initiate,
develop and strengthen multidisciplinary research and cooperation between environmental scientists
and epidemiologists on the effective application of the moss biomonitoring for air quality assessment
and mercury monitoring as a key for better understanding of the health and environmental risks and
consequences of the mercury air pollution.
12.P13
PRE-ANALYTICAL FACTORS CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT RAISED URINE CADMIUM
RESULTS
Susan Grant 1, Trevor Walmsley 2, Ngaire Smidt 1, Chris Florkowski 1, and Peter George 2
1
Canterbury Health Laboratories (Christchurch, New Zealand); 2 Canterbury Health Laboratories
(Christchurch, New Zealand)
To identify the cause of raised urine cadmium levels (>18 nmol/L for non exposed workers) found in
20 out of 36 medical imaging workers using Cerrobend (Pb 27%, Cd 10%, Sn 13%, Bi 50%). Urine
cadmium is measured on a Varian220Z Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with
Zeeman background correction. Serial urine samples were collected from exposed and non exposed
workers at the same site. As it was observed that the collection pottles referred from this site had
yellow tops, in contrast to the pink topped pottles routinely used in our laboratory, the two types of
pottles were tested for contaminating cadmium. A sample (100 ml) of normal urine was added to the
pottles, mixed by inversion and analysed the following day. During the same period only 3 out of 29
urine samples from other workers involved in routine occupational monitoring at other sites had raised
cadmium. Investigations also showed that many non exposed workers from the original site also had
intermittently raised urine cadmium levels and repeat testing showed that the raised urine cadmium
results from the Cerrobend workers were inconsistent and not related to the degree of exposure. This
suggested that pre-analytical factors were involved. Urine stored overnight in the pink pottles had
cadmium levels of < 5 nmol/L but samples from the yellow pottles were consistently >61 nmol/L. Two
other batches of yellow topped urine pottles in use at this site were similarly investigated – with only
one batch showing contamination. On contacting the manufacturer it was disclosed that uncontrolled
amounts of cadmium sulphide pigment and recycled plastic was used to make the yellow lids and this
varied between batches. Exclusion of pre-analytical contamination by following collection protocols
specified by the analysing laboratory and checking containers before use, may prevent workplace
anxiety and further unnecessary and costly investigations.
12.P14
NOVEL DEVICE FOR DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF NON-CERULOPLASMIN COPPER IN
WILSON’S DISEASE
John Althaus, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Charles Bisgaier, and Steve Kanzer
Pipex Pharmaceuticals (Ann Arbor, USA)
Wilson’s Disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder which causes elevated copper
levels in blood, urine, liver and brain. Normally, total serum copper levels range between 70 to 150
µg/dL and 75 to 95% of total is associated with copper tightly bound to the serum protein
ceruloplasmin (Cp). The remaining copper is known as non-ceruloplasmin bound free copper (NCBC).
In WD, NCBC elevation is in part diagnostic and is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of the
disease. The current method (Subtraction Method) to determine serum NCBC involves two
independent measurements. First, total serum copper is measured by atomic absorption and second,
serum Cp is measured by immunoassay. The concentration of Cp (mg/dL) is then multiplied by 3
µg/mg to estimate the concentration of Cp-bound copper (µg/dL). NCBC is calculated by subtracting
Cp-bound copper from total copper. This method has a number of limitations. It is indirect, expensive,
slow and incapable of distinguishing Holo- from Apo-Cp. Due to these limitations we developed a
simple, economical, rapid and direct method using a portable point-of-care device which measures
NCBC and total serum copper. The device (FreeBound®) measures these two forms of serum copper
based on a proprietary process incorporating anionic stripping voltammetry. Plotting current vs.
potential provides a peak specific to copper and the height of this peak is proportional to the amount
of copper in serum. Most importantly, the device measures NCBC apart from Cp-bound copper based
on the kinetics of deposition. We compared NCBC values by FreeBound® to those found by the
“Subtraction Method” in serum samples from WD patients. The correlation of determination between
the methods was very good at r2=0.93. Similar results were found for total copper. Total copper and
NCBC were also used to calculate serum Cp. In conclusion, this new device gives rapid, inexpensive
and direct detection of NCBC at point-of-care.
12.S01
SEPARATION OF PROTEINS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID BY SIZE EXCLUSION HPLC AND
DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS BY HR-ICP-MS
Kristin Gellein 1, Per M Roos 2, Lars Evje 3, Olof Vesterberg 4, Trond Peder Flaten 5, Monica Nordberg
, and Tore Syversen 3
1
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 2 Department of Neurology,
Ullevaal University Hospital (Oslo, Norway); 3 Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of
Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway); 4 Faculty of Natural Sciences, Uppsala University (
Uppsala, Sweden); 5 Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (
Trondheim, Norway); 6 Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden)
6
The central nervous system is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF provides a biological
matrix for trace element analysis reflecting the living brain. A method to study the protein binding
patterns of trace elements in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is described. By employing size
exclusion chromatography combined with high performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC),
proteins in CSF-samples were separated according to size. The column was calibrated to separate
proteins in the molecular weight range 6-70 kDa, with special emphasis on metallothionein. Fractions
were then analysed off-line for trace elements using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The separation technique developed together with HR-ICP-MS analysis
is very useful for studying metal containing proteins in body fluids when metal concentrations are very
low, which is the case after fractionation of CSF by HPLC. We were able to accurately determine
more than 10 elements of clinical interest in the CSF fractions. Results are presented for Cd, Mn, Fe,
Pb, Cu and Zn. The total concentrations of 16 trace elements in human plasma and CSF are also
presented.
12.S03
VERY ACCURATE (DEFINITIVE) METHODS BY RNAA. THE IDEA AND RECENT
ACHIEVEMENTS
Rajmund S. Dybczynski, Ewelina Chajduk, and Halina Polkowska-Motrenko
Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (Warszawa, Poland)
The idea of very accurate (definitive) methods by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA)
for the determination of selected trace essential and/or toxic elements in biological materials is briefly
presented. Definitive methods by RNAA rely on combination of a very selective and quantitative postirradiation separation of a given radionuclide from essentially all accompanying radionuclides followed
by γ-ray spectrometric measurement. The methods elaborated so far are briefly mentioned. New
method for the determination of selenium employs cation exchange and extraction chromatography
(3,3’-diaminebenzidine supported on XAD4) columns for selective and quantitative isolation of 75-Se
which is then measured on the resin by γ-ray spectrometry. New method for arsenic uses specially
prepared cation echange resin column in the ferric iron form for the selective separation of 76-As. The
performance of the methods is demonstrated by the analysis of several certified reference materials
(CRMs). Definitive methods are used mostly for verification of accuracy of other methods of inorganic
trace analysis, as well as for certification of the candidate reference materials.
12.S04
ION SPECTROMETRY (SIMS) AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (TEM) CORRELATIVE IMAGING
IN THE QUEST OF COMPREHENSIVE TRACE ELEMENT LOCALIZATION AT SUBCELLULAR
LEVEL, IN NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL KERATINOCYTES
Eliane Larras-Regard, Jéril Degrouard, and Danielle Jaillard
Université Paris-Sud UMR 8080 CNRS (ORSAY, France)
Due to a sensitivity close to 1 ppm, SIMS imaging has made currently possible localized analysis of
trace elements at tissular level. Improvements in spatial resolution permitted a better recognition of
trace element cellular targets. In spite of a relative high resolution (50 nm), dynamic SIMS imaging
remains far behind TEM and it is still difficult to identify with certainty the various cellular
compartments observed with SIMS imaging. The use of these two complementary methods, in terms
of correlative imaging, was applied to the follow up of keratinization process in normal and
pathological cultured keratinocytes prior to trace element localized analysis. The culture medium
contained lithium gluconate. First attempts were performed on serial sections: ultra thin sample
sections (60 nm) for TEM and thin sections (1µm) for SIMS. More accurate correlations required the
study of a same sample section, both with TEM and SIMS instruments. So a slight modification of
SIMS sample holder was performed and allowed a direct analysis of sample sections (200 nm) when
deposited on the grid previously observed by TEM. A specific treatment of the sample avoided
undesired charge accumulation. Positive and negative secondary ion images were performed. Simages were helpful for mapping the sulphur rich precursor of keratin, and interpreting keratohyalin
compartment observed by TEM, in normal and pathological cells. The correlation with Li+ distribution
was established. Such SIMS and TEM new approaches are promising for comprehensive
biodistribution of trace elements at subcellular level, through physiological and pathological process.
12.S05
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ICP-MS APPLIED TO STUDIES IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Steven Durrant 1, and Neil Ward 2
1
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil); 2 University of Surrey (Guildford,
United Kingdom)
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with sample introduction via nebulization of
aqueous sample solutions is now extremely well established for the high throughput multielemental
and isotope ratio (IR) analysis of diverse geological, biological and clinical matrices, with detection
limits typically at ng g-1 concentrations, and under favorable circumstances down to fg g-1 levels, and
a dynamic range of up to 10 orders of magnitude. The widespread use of high resolution
spectrometers permits the determination of biologically important elements such as As and Fe, for
example, which are difficult to determine using conventional quadrupole instruments owing to
polyatomic interferences (40Ar35Cl+ and 40Ar16O+, respectively). Multi-collector instruments have
allowed improved IR analyses, for example, of 54Fe, 56Fe and 57Fe in human blood, liver and
muscle. Another area of rapid growth over the last decade has been the coupling of ICP-MS to
diverse chromatographic separations permitting, for example, the determination of species such as
As(III), As(V) and dimethylarsinate in angiosperms using ion chromatography-ICP-MS. In addition to
these advances, improved laser ablation technology for solid sample introduction to ICP-MS now
permits studies requiring spatial resolution of a given sample. For example, Zn, Pb, Mg, Fe, Sr and Cu
were recently monitored in human teeth using for ablation Q-switched pulses from a Nd:YAG laser
quadrupled to a wavelength of 266 nm. Such measurements are useful as a record of health status
and exposure to pollutants. Laser ablation is also now being applied together with gel separation
techniques to examine, for example, Fe, Cu and Zn associated with brain proteins separated by (2D)
gel electrophoresis. These and other significant recent developments will be critically reviewed.
12.S06
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS – STATE OF THE ART
Douglas Baxter, and Ilia Rodushkin
ALS Scandinavia (Luleå, Sweden)
After a decade of research into physiological levels of elements a single analytical technique has
emerged with the requisite capabilities. Inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry
(ICP-SFMS) permits more than 70 elements to be determined at both normal and elevated
concentrations, fulfilling a variety of needs in the fields of nutrition, pharmacology, health care and
toxicology. Here, application of ICP-SFMS to the analysis of human whole blood, serum and urine
from unexposed individuals will be described, with emphasis on quality control routines. Examples will
be given to illustrate some of the pitfalls that can be avoided using high instrumental mass resolution
in the analysis of biological materials. Finally a database compiling baseline concentrations of over 70
elements as determined by ICP-SFMS in human biological fluids will be presented.
Category 14: Invited Speaker Topics
14.1.1
MANGANESE: MODULATOR OF VASCULAR FUNCTION, STRUCTURE AND METABOLISM
Dorothy Klimis-Zacas 1, and Anastasia Kalea 2
1
University of Maine (Orono, USA); 2 Columbia University (New York, USA)
Manganese (Mn), has been reported to influence the genesis and development of cardiovascular
disease by participating as a cofactor of several enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress and
aid in the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissue extracellular matrix and structure.
Additionally, Mn modulates important intracellular pathways, by activating proteins for cell-signaling,
influencing cell surface receptor binding and adhesion, and interacting with ionic-channel receptor
complexes. We have documented that Mn is involved in arterial glycosaminoglycan metabolism
(GAG) by affecting the total proteoglycan content of the aorta, altering the concentration and
molecular structure of arterial heparan sulfate. Manganese supplementation resulted in reduced
sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and altered galactosyl transferase activity. The
reduced expression and undersulfation of HSPGs with Mn supplementation may indicate a decreased
ability of vascular cells to interact with biologically active molecules, such as lipoproteins and thus
protect the endothelium from lipid deposition and lipoprotein oxidation. Alterations in cell membrane
binding to a variety of extracellular ligands may affect signal-transduction pathways and arterial
functional properties. We have documented that the presence of dietary Mn suppresses
vasoconstriction induced by an alpha-adrenergic agonist and operates through an endotheliummediated pathway. We also studied the effect of Mn on endothelium-dependent (Ach-induced) and
endothelium-independent (SNP-induced) vasodilation as it relates to vascular function and reported
that Mn operates in the cyclo-oxygenase pathway by inhibiting the synthesis or activity of a
prostanoid-derived vasoconstrictor present at basal and stimulated levels. Thus Mn is crucial in
atheroprotection and maintainance of vasomotor tone with implications on cardiovascular disease.
14.1.2
THE ROLE OF COPPER IN NITRIC OXIDE MEDIATED VASODILATION
Dale Schuschke
University of Louisville School of Medicine (Louisville, USA)
Dietary copper and cuproenzymes have a significant role in microvascular control mechanisms. Of
particular importance is the endothelium-dependent regulation of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle.
We have used the rat cremaster muscle model to study the in vivo microcirculatory effects of dietary
copper. Our initial results showed that nitric oxide (NO)-mediated dilation is attenuated in
microvascular resistance vessels during dietary copper deficiency. This attenuated dilator response is
accompanied by an inhibition of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) activity and the
decreased dilation is reversed by the addition of exogenous Cu,Zn-SOD. We have proposed that
when this cuproenzyme is inactivated by copper restriction, there is a buildup of superoxide anion
(O2-), which then reacts with endothelial cell NO to partially destroy the NO available for diffusion to
the vascular smooth muscle. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that during copper
deficiency there is an increase in peroxynitrite (ONOO-), the end product of the NO-O2- reaction.
Peroxynitrite is also a known inhibitor of endothelial cell Ca2+ mobilization which is required for
endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity. In a study of endothelial cell NO production, we have shown
that acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ mobilization and NO release are both attenuated in resistance
arterioles of copper-deficient rats. These results suggest that during copper deficiency, there is not
only a build up of O2- which scavenges available NO, but there is also an additional inhibitory effect of
elevated ONOO- to reduce NO synthesis.
14.1.4
SELENIUM STATUS AND REGULATION OF VASCULAR HOMEOSTASIS
Lorraine Sordillo
Michigan State University (East Lansing, USA)
Evidence suggests an inverse relationship exists between selenium (Se) nutrition and cardiovascular
disorders. Several intervention studies are currently underway to assess the benefits of Se
supplementation to control a wide variety of condition in which oxidant stress and inflammation are the
predominant pathological features, including atherosclerosis. Earlier epidemiological and ecological
studies that examined the potential benefit of Se administration to control cardiovascular disease;
however, they have proven to be inconclusive. A number of underlying factors exist to explain some of
the equivocal finding from these prospective studies including identification of specific cellular
processes that are affected by Se status and determination of the specific Se-dependent bioactive
components that are responsible for the desired response in targeted cellular environments. The
importance of Se to health may be related to selenoprotein activities, such as glutathione peroxidase
and thioredoxin reductase, that have diverse biological roles. These enzymes can function as potent
antioxidants by directly reducing pro-atherogenic reactive oxygen species to less reactive metabolites.
Recent evidence also suggests that certain selenoproteins are capable of modifying cellular
responses to oxidant challenge by controlling the balanced expression of cytoprotective and
proinflammatory factors. This paper will define the regulatory role of individual selenoproteins in
orchestrating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes during oxidant stress through their ability to
control redox sensitive signaling events. The long-term implications of this work will be the ability to
identify foods that can provide the optimal amount of specific biological active selenoproteins needed
to control the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders.
14.2.1
ZINC NUTRITURE AND THE FETAL ORIGINS OF DISEASE
Harold Sandstead
The University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, USA)
Primary zinc (Zn) deficiency, “highly unlikely” in 1959, now common, impairs gene expression and
health of progeny. The essentiality of Zn for reproduction is known from experiments in model
systems that began more than 50 years ago, and observations on humans that began more than 30
years ago. From this background it is clear Zn deficiency increases risk of abortion, teratology, fetalstunting, prematurity, and residual functional abnormalities. That there is a problem in the USA, is
suggested by the similar associations of iron (Fe) and Zn nutriture with food choices; the strong
association between serum ferritin concentrations and Zn nutriture, measured by Zn kinetics; and the
> 25 % prevalence of absent Fe stores, measured by serum ferritin concentrations, among US
premenopausal women of child bearing age. Independent of knowledge of Zn, many epidemiological
observations found associations between birth weight, and more recently maternal nutrition, and the
health of progeny in later life. Metabolic imprinting that affects later health involves epigenetic
mechanisms. Zinc is one of several micronutrients essential for these phenomena. Given the world
prevalence of Zn deficiency, conservatively estimated at 20.5 %, the contribution of developmental Zn
nutriture to human health in later life begs clarification and application. At the same time, research is
needed for understanding of how Zn nutriture affects metabolic imprinting in isolated cells, other
species, and humans.
14.2.2
THE RELEVANCE OF TRACE ELEMENT NUTRITION IN HUMAN HEALTH
Sophie Ermidou-Pollet1, and Serge Pollet 2
1
University of Athens (Nea Makri, Greece); 2 HTES (Athens, Greece)
The relevance of trace element nutrition in human health is obvious from the beginning of the life until
the old age. Proper trace element nutrition during pregnancy may be important for maternal health
and foetal growth and development. Growth of infants and children is a complex process in which
several nutritional factors, including trace elements, play roles and interact, and the extent and
consequences of such interactions are still not completely understood. Review of the literature has
shown that trace element intakes are particularly important in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular
diseases, atherosclerotic diseases, osteoporosis, age related ocular diseases and in aging. Further
research is required to determine the optimal micronutrient combinations and the doses required
according to timing of intervention. For long it was not fully accepted that food can have an influence
on brain structure, and thus on its function, including cognitive and intellectuals. In fact trace-elements
have been directly evaluated in the setting of cerebral functioning. Finally, deficiencies of trace
elements can have profound effects on the development, health and well being of human subjects.
They may have various etiologies: inadequate intake, inherited genetic disorders, malabsorption due
to intestinal pathology or reduced bioavailability, excessive urinary and/or fecal excretion. Although
some progress has been made in the understanding of dietary interactions that determine biological
availability of trace elements, a basis for quantitative treatment of these interactions is still lacking.
Trace element supplementation for meeting the requirement is also not so easy to perform.
Interactions with other minerals or dietary constituents need consideration in the evaluation.
14.2.3
INTERNATIONAL DIETARY STANDARDS FOR TRACE ELEMENTS
Jean Freeland-Graves, and Zhaoli Dai
The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, USA)
The essentiality and toxicity of trace elements in the human diet have been estimated to be related to
mortality and morbidity in over half the world’s population. Problems may arise from inadequate
and/or poor quality food supply, cultural and societal norms, and environmental factors such as
geography, contamination, parasites, and political and economic situations. In addition, trace element
status is influenced by impairments in metabolism (absorption, digestion, transport, utilization, and
excretion) and consequences of diseases and chronic health conditions. This impact of microminerals on health and society necessitates the formulation of recommendations of dietary standards
that can be disseminated to health professionals, consumers, researchers, and agricultural and
government agencies and policy makers. Common approaches to assess trace element status have
included clinical consequences, nutrient balance, functional indicators (biomarkers) and populationbased assessments of nutrient intakes associated with good health. Yet the vast diversity of countries,
populations and diets throughout the world make it difficult to identify the most appropriate values for
each segment. Priorities among regions of the world may differ, from elimination of hunger and
malnutrition and maintenance of biological functions to prevention of chronic diseases via optimal
intakes. Variations due to genetic determinants, body composition, stages of life and lifestyle may
further complicate recommendations. Clearly, further studies are warranted to develop and compare
the multiplicity of dietary standards on a global basis.
14.2.4
FUTURE DIETARY STANDARDS FOR TRACE ELEMENTS
Lindsay Allen
USDA, ARS (Davis, USA)
Since the Dietary Recommended Intakes for most trace elements were released for the United States
and Canada (FNB/IOM, 2000), information has been acquired that may improve our estimates of
future dietary standards for some, but not all, of these nutrients. In the case of iron, there is
considerable current interest in potential adverse effects of higher intakes in the form of supplements,
which could change the current criteria on which the UL is based. Recommended iron intakes for
infants be increased based on lower estimates of iron absorption from breast milk, and there are new
data showing that cut-offs for iron status indicators in infants should be changed. The International
Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) has published a detailed review of recommended dietary
zinc intakes, which concludes that zinc requirements are substantially lower than those published by
IOM/WHO for several age groups, based primarily on using a different set of studies for estimating
endogenous zinc losses. A new model is available for predicting the effects of total dietary zinc and
total phytate on zinc absorption. However, there has been relatively little progress finding better
indicators of human zinc status. New data from long-term feeding of a high copper diet suggest that
the current Upper Level for copper is too high, and should be lowered. Ongoing research is
investigating the effect of iron deficiency on copper absorption. WHO has recently increased
recommended iodine intakes during pregnancy, a position that has been endorsed by the American
Thyroid Association. Regarding silicon, new data show that there is a significant correlation between
silicon intake and urinary silicon, which may provide some information on which to estimate
requirements in the future.
14.3.1
CHALLENGES IN SPECIATION OF WORKROOM AIR EXPOSURES
Yngvar Thomassen
National Institute of Occupational Health (Oslo, Norway)
Most compounds of the elements can occur in different physical states, namely solid, gas, liquid,
vapour or aerosol. Each of these states can influence or determine the nature of exposure, the uptake
or absorption and the toxicological consequences. Many workplace and atmospheric aerosols are
composed of a complex mixtures of chemical compounds. Since a number of factors are involved in
determining toxicological responses to the chemical exposure this presentation will illustrate how
modern technology used in aerosol measurement and characterisation can provide more detailed
information about the specific particle-size distribution, time-resolved concentration monitoring of
particle-size fractions, chemical composition and morphological characteristics of workroom aerosols
collected in metal refineries. Such knowledge would improve our understanding of the basis for the
reported differential health risks. Exposure to e.g. nickel oxides and sulfides, which are relatively
insoluble in water, figures prominently in the epidemiology of nickel-related lung and nasal cancer.
The carcinogenic potency of water-soluble nickel compounds and metallic Ni continues to be debated.
For exposure assessment of workers in ongoing epidemiological studies novel chemical leaching
schemes have been developed for bulk speciation of nickel and manganese compounds likely to be
present in nickel and manganese alloys smelters. Further, single aerosol particle characterisation of
aerosols collected from such metal smelters has been performed using modern methods of analysis
in order to obtain deeper understanding of particle compositions and physiological behaviour. The aim
of this presentation is to discuss the determinant factors and their measurements judged to be
important in the understanding and rationalization of the biological chemistry and toxicity of inorganic
compounds of the elements with illustrations from a variety of occupational environments.
14.3.2
ANALYTICAL CHALLENGES TO THE HUMAN TRACE ELEMENT SPECIATION
Ryszard Lobinski
Equipe de Chimie Analytique Bio-inorganique (Pau-Pyrénées, France)
The measurement of the total trace element concentrations is widely used to assess the elemental
status in humans. The recent advances in analytical methodology allow, however, the access to
information on the concentration levels of the individual species of an element, referred to as
speciation. In particular, the progress in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS),
used as a detector in chromatography and capillary and gel electrophoresis, have resulted in a
considerable number of in-vitro and in-vivo studies of interactions of trace elements in biomolecules.
The multiisotopic (including non-metals such as S, P, or Se) detection capability, high sensitivity,
tolerance to matrix, and large linearity range regardless of the chemical environment of an analyte
make ICP MS a valuable complementary technique to electrospray MS and MALDI MS. The lecture
discusses the possibilities of the state-of-the-art hyphenated techniques to the trace element
speciation in biological samples of human origin. The examples chosen illustrate, in particular,
advances in the three major areas: (i) monitoring of the metal-protein interactions and the
determination of metal-protein complexes in-vitro and in-vivo by hyphenated techniques using ICP MS
detection in liquid chromatography, gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis; (ii) specific
determination and screening for selenium-containing- and selenoproteins and selenoamino acids in
blood and serum using two-dimensional affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography
with ICP MS detection, and (iii) in-vivo monitoring of the metabolism of metallodrugs containing
covalently bound Pt or Ru atom with a focus on ultratrace (0.1 ng/ml detection limits) quantification of
the initial drug and the products of its metabolism.
14.3.3
STUDIES ON THE BIOTRANSFORMATION OF ARSENIC AND SELENIUM IN HUMANS
Kevin A. Francesconi
Institute of Chemistry, Karl-Franzens University Graz (Graz, Austria)
Arsenic and selenium are two metalloids which, in their inorganic forms, have interesting similarities
and differences in terms of their toxicity, biotransformation and excretion in humans. Both elements
are readily methylated in the body, presumably as a detoxification strategy, and the methylated forms
are quickly excreted mainly in the urine. In the case of selenium, the common urine metabolites are
methyl selenosugars and trimethylselenonium ion, whereas arsenic metabolic products are dominated
by simple mono and dimethylated derivatives. Because selenium is incorporated into essential
biomolecules, and only the excess is excreted, the formation of the urine metabolites is strongly
dependent on dose and becomes significant only at higher exposure. For arsenic, which has no
established essential role, the pattern of urinary metabolites is more constant, and the quantity
excreted reflects exposure, even at lower exposure levels. Humans, however, can also show
considerable individual variability in the way in which they biotransform both elements. Understanding
the reasons for this variability may help explain the observed effects, both beneficial and detrimental,
of these elements in population-based studies. Recent results will be discussed from investigations
with humans following exposure to inorganic and organic forms of arsenic and selenium.
14.3.4
PURIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LOW MOLECULAR FRACTION OF SELENIUM
SPECIES IN LIVER CYTOSOL BY HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY AND
TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRIC TECHNIQUES
Ying Lu, and Spiros A. Pergantis
University of Crete (Heraklion, Greece)
Selenium (Se) is a biologically intriguing element. It is essential but also can be toxic to animal and
human health. In the mammalian body, selenium exerts its biological functions through its
incorporation into selenoproteins as selenocysteine. Characterization of selenium species
(selenoproteins, Se-containing proteins and other species of low molecular weights) in samples of
mammalian origin is one of the major fields of interest in selenium speciation research. This study
aims to establish a methodology based on the mild sample preparation procedures, multiple
dimensional high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation/purification and tandem
mass spectrometric (MS/MS) detection for the identification of Se species in the low molecular weight
(LMW) fraction of porcine liver cytosol. Liver contains complex biological matrix in which Se
biomolecules and its other species are present at low concentration levels. In such a condition,
sample preparation and purification are crucial procedures to the successful mass spectrometric
identification of these molecules. For this purpose, a subcellular fractionation protocol was used to
prepare the liver cytosol. Subsequently, the LMW fraction of Se species was collected offline
according to the Se elution profile obtained from the size exclusion chromatography hyphenated with
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This LMW fraction was further purified by a
reverse phase (RP) column. The identities of Se species was investigated by RPHPLC-ICP-MS and
by using RPHPLC coupled with electrospray ionisation and/or atmospheric pressure chemical
ionisation MS/MS. In our study, besides selenomethionine and methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-selenobeta-D-galactopyranoside (SeGalNAc), more than three other Se species were found in liver cytosol.
Our efforts were towards the identification of these unknown hepatocytosolic Se species by LCMS/MS techniques will be discussed.
14.3.5
ARSENIC BIOMONITORING IN CHILDREN PLAYING ON CHROMATED COPPER ARSENATETREATED PLAYGROUNDS
Kristi Lew, Jason Acker, and X. Chris Le
University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada)
One industrial application of arsenic is its use as a wood preservative in the form of chromated copper
arsenate (CCA). The widespread use of CCA-treated wood in playgrounds has generated public
concern over the safety of the application. The high hand-to-mouth frequency of children may
increase their risk of ingesting arsenic during contact with CCA-treated playgrounds. Our group has
previously measured the arsenic concentrations in the hand wash samples of children playing on CCA
and non-CCA playgrounds. Arsenic levels were four times higher in the hand wash samples from
children playing on CCA playgrounds. However, it is not known how much arsenic on the children’s
hands is ingested or whether this amount contributes substantially to the overall internal exposure
levels. The objective of this study was to determine children’s exposure to arsenic by speciating and
quantifying arsenic in urine and saliva samples of children in contact with CCA and non-CCA
playgrounds. We collected one pre-play saliva sample, and three post-play samples each of urine and
saliva. Arsenic analysis was conducted using HPLC-ICPMS. The arsenic species detected in the
samples were inorganic trivalent and pentavalent arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, and
monomethylarsonic acid. There were no considerable differences in the speciation patterns or total
arsenic concentrations in the urine and saliva of the two groups. The mean total urinary arsenic was
16 µg/L in the CCA group and 13 µg/L in the non-CCA group (p=0.5046). The mean total salivary
arsenic was 0.94 µg/L in the CCA group and 1.2 µg/L in the non-CCA group (p=0.4859). Since the
concentration and speciation of arsenic in the samples from children in contact with CCA and nonCCA playgrounds were similar, we conclude that contact with CCA-treated playgrounds does not
considerably contribute to the total ingested arsenic. However, we recommend that children wash
their hands following contact with CCA-treated playgrounds.
14.4.1
TRACE ELEMENT NUTRITION: A NEGLECTED HEALTH ISSUE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Mohamed ABDULLA 1, Susan GAMON 1, Guy CHAZOT 1, Muriel BOST 1, and Sangeeta SHUKLA 2
1
Trace Element - Institute for UNESCO (LYON CEDEX 07, France); 2 Dept of Zoology, Jiwaji
University (GWALIOR, India)
According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), deficiency of trace elements is
widespread, but unrecognized. Nearly a third of the current population of the world suffer from the
deficiency of iron and iodine alone. In countries with low socio-economic status, it is very likely that
deficiencies of other trace elements such as zinc and selenium are very common. A lack of
characteristic symptoms and lack of appropriate diagnostic tools are the major reasons that such
deficiencies are not recognized. The fourth leading cause of death in many parts of the world in the
90s was due to diseases related to nutritional disorders. Even the fourth projected cause of death in
coming yerars would be due to nutrition-related disorders. In spite of this report by the WHO, trace
element nutrition as a health issue has a very low priority in most developing countries. In the present
study, we have investigated the dietary patterns in the general population of 13 countries. Daily
dietary samples from 13 countries, both developed and developing, were collected by a standardized
food collection technique. After proper handling of the diets, the contents of major and minor trace
elements were analyzed by modern techniques. Blood samples were collected from adults and
children in India, Pakistan, Sweden and France in order to analyze the lead content. The results
showed that the intakes of potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and selenium were low when compared
with the recommended levels (RDA) at the time of investigation. The levels of lead in the blood of
children in India and Pakistan were 3-5 times more than the levels observed in Sweden. The
exposure to other heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury varied to a great extent in different
countries. The implication of these findings will be discussed from a public health point of view.
14.4.2
STUDIES ON THE PLACENTAL AND MAMMARY GLAND TRANSFER OF TRACE ELEMENTS:
IMPACT OF POSSIBLE TRACE ELEMENT DEFICIENCIES IN INFANCY
Erich Rossipal
University of Graz (Graz, Austria)
To evaluate the barrier function of the human placenta at the end of gestation, the transfer of 17 trace
elements from the mother to the foetus was investigated. To this end, 29 maternal and corresponding
umbilical cord sera (UCS) were considered. In addition, the uptake of trace elements by the foetus
was evaluated in nine pairs of arterial and venous UCS. Our results indicate that the placenta
activates the transfer of selected elements such as Mn 150%, Zn 148%, Ca 120% and Mg 105%
compared to the maternal serum content, i.e. 100%. Yet the placenta can also inhibit the transfer, for
example of Cu (20%), Pb (50%), Se (55%) and Co (60%). However, the placenta is permeable for Li,
Mo and Sr following a concentration gradient and resulting in comparable elemental concentrations in
maternal serum and UCS. Our findings also indicate that the placenta may act as an organ of
excretion to maintain homeostasis between Zn and Cu. Determination of 14 trace elements in 27
maternal sera and corresponding colostrum samples revealed an activating as well as an inhibiting
effect of the mammary gland for several trace elements. In colostrum the concentration of Zn was 15times higher than in maternal sera. For Mo, Mn, Sn and Ca, these values amounted to 8.1, 2.8, 2.3,
and 2.2. An inhibiting transfer effect was observed for Se (47%) and Cu (19%). A concentration
gradient mode of action was established for the transfer of Li and Sr. The intensive transfer of Zn by
the mammary gland during the period up to the third month post partum results in high concentrations
of Zn in mother´s milk. This is obviously designed to cater for an increased need for Zn of newborns
and young infants. One may speculate that this period of a high Zn supply may not be sufficiently long
to meet the requirements of premature infants. Hence it may cause Zn deficiency in these infants
when exclusively breast-fed.
14.4.3
TRACE ELEMENT DEFICIENCY TREATMENT: MUCH MORE THAN SUPPLEMENTATION WITH
DEFICIENT TRACE ELEMENT
Ivana Djujic
University of Belgrade,IHTM (Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro)
Maintaining optimal mineral balance is of great importance in the prevention, mitigation and treatment
of numerous diseases. Recent data on nutrient and supplement intake indicates that the vast majority
of people suffers from micronutrients malnutrition. Investigations of trace elements in blood and scalp
hair conducted on healthy adults from different countries showing that most of tested participants
have reduced concentration of at least one element and disturbences in the ratios of many other
elements. In order to improve deficient trace elements intake humans use various form of
supplements and/or foods with improved nutrient status. To identify the most desirable strategy for
reducing risks from sever selenium (Se) and in lower extent other nutrients defficiency in food chain
we tested efficiency of dietary supplements with Se in the form of selenite and the Se enriched
brevery and bakery yeast, as well as crops biofortified with Se use in human and animal nutrition.
Conducted investigations on humans and animals showed that in raising defficient trace elements
level any form of dietary supplements was not so efficient as food that contains trace elements in
natural forms and beneficial amounts. Such food represents well balanced source of deficient trace
elements and has optimized content and composition of wide range nutrients important for the proper
functioning of the body. Offered strategy can΄t provide enough trace elements when individual
requirements for same nutrients are increased. In such cases, to determine individual needs for trace
elements, recognise symptoms of mild trace elements deficiency, and determine the optimal dose and
combination of trace elements and other nutrients we utilized informations that offer hair analysis to
trace elements, saliva pH measurement and bio-informatical methods. Health effects of such
formulated nutritional supplements use overcomed all our expectations.
14.4.4
PREDICTING RELATIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF BIOAVAILABLE IRON USING IN VITRO
APPROACHES
Maria Kapsokefalou 1, and Konstantina Argiri 2
1
Agricultural University of Athens (Athens, Greece); 2 Agricultural Universiy of Athens (Athens,
Greece)
There is an unequivocal need for predicting the bioavailability of dietary iron. Bioavailability is a key
concept in iron nutrition. Ranging from 1-20%, it is the limiting factor in dietary iron intake and
consequently it plays a central role in the primary prevention of iron deficiency. Many studies have
identified a variety of dietary factors that enhance or inhibit iron bioavailability. Nevertheless, new
measurements and/or prediction of iron bioavailability are continuously required because of new
developments in the science of foods and nutrition. For example, interest in novel food ingredients (eg
sterols, milk peptides) or in new fortified foods (eg milk products, gluten-free breads) or in local,
traditional and ethnic foods have produced a need for new measurements of iron bioavailability.
Consequently, there is a continuing need for establishing simple, reliable screening techniques that
would allow the comparison of a large number of samples. In vitro procedures, in cell-free or cell
model systems, offer advantages but also present limitations. New developments in the use of the in
vitro methodologies and examples from the application of these methodologies will be discussed.
14.4.5
IODINE IN THE FOOD CHAIN OF ANIMALA AND MAN: INTAKE, BALANCE AND REQUIREMENT
Manfred Anke
Friedrich Schiller University (Jena, Germany)
The iodine intake of 7 omnivorous and ovolactovegetarian women and men was examined in 21 test
teams in Central Europe and Mexico by the duplicate portion technique over 7 successive days.
Women in Germany presently consume > 100 µg, men > 120 µg I/day on average, or 1.3 and 1.5
µg/kg body weight/day, respectively. In Mexico, I intakes of women and men amount to 150 and 200
µg I/day or 2.5 and 2.6 µg I/kg body weight and day, resp. Although on average the normative iodine
requirement of adults is met (1 µg, recommendation 2 µg, per kg body weight and day), 25% of
German adults take in < 100 and 120 µg I/day, resp. Iodine consumption in summer is 40% lower
than in winter. It increases by 30% with increas-ing age (20 – 69 years) and 45 % with increasing
body weight. In the endemic iodine- and selenium-deficient region of Central Europe, where iodine
intake and serum T4 status were normalized by iodinated salt, it was not possible to normalize the
free T3 level in the blood serum. The GSH-Px levels of women’s blood serum (170 U/L) were normal.
Supplementation of 50 µg Se and 100 µg I/day normalized the serum-free T3 level. A normalization of
iodine metabolism is only given if both the iodine and selenium require-ments are met. The main
excretory routes for iodine are the kidneys and the breast, which compete with the thyroid for plasma
iodine. Urine and milk are good indicators of the iodine status and intake, if fecal iodine excretion of
humans (about 10 – 80 µg/day) is taken into consideration. On average, omnivores and vegetarians
excrete 81 to 85% of the consumed iodine renally and 15 to 19% fecally. Their apparent iodine
absorption rate is 82 to 86%. After I supplementation of the mineral mix-tures fed to animals and of
salt for humans, iodine concentrations in cows’ and breast milk increased from 10 µg/L to > 100 µg/L.
14.A.1
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE OF COPPER IN NEUROLOGIC AND NEURODEGENERATIVE
DISEASES AND POTENTIAL TREATMENT WITH TETRATHIOMOLYBDATE
George Brewer
University of Michigan Medical School (Ann Arbor, USA)
In a number of neurodegenerative disease, which include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s
disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion disease, copper is intimately involved in binding to
relevant proteins, aggregate formation, and perhaps in producing damaging oxidant stress. The role
of copper in these diseases, to the extent known, will be reviewed. Of these diseases, only in AD has
the cumulative evidence become convincing that excess copper is involved with initiation or
progression of the disease. In the other talks of this symposium, some of that evidence in AD will be
presented. These results indicate that therapy to reduce copper levels may be beneficial in AD, and
we propose that tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is the ideal drug for such trials. TM’s mechanism of action in
the blood involves formation of a three way complex with copper, albumin, and itself, which renders
the relatively mobilizable, and potentially toxic, copper unavailable for cellular uptake. In this manner,
TM detoxifies copper in neurologically presenting Wilson’s disease, and lowers the availability of
copper in the body in other disease states. For example, by limiting copper availability, TM has been
shown to be an effective therapy in a variety of animal models of fibrosis, inflammation, and
autoimmunity. These include bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, carbon tetrachloride induced
cirrhosis, concanavalin A induced hepatitis, acetaminophen induced liver damage, doxorubicin
induced heart damage, immune modulated bovine collagen induced arthritis, autoimmune diabetes in
the non-obese diabetic mouse, autoimmune systemic lupus erythematosis, and EAE induced multiple
sclerosis. Mechanisms of protection may involve inhibition of damaging cytokines and protection
against oxidant damage. We postulate that TM will limit copper availability and toxicity in AD, and
clinical trials are planned.
14.A.2
COPPER, CHOLESTEROL, AND COGNITION: ANIMAL AND HUMAN EVIDENCE
D. Larry Sparks
Sun Health Research Institute (Sun City, USA)
Increased circulating cholesterol levels are associated with serious medical concerns and represent a
mounting problem as elevated cholesterol becomes more widespread. Besides an obvious increase in
coronary artery disease and stroke, emerging data suggest an increased risk of cognitive impairment
with increased circulating cholesterol. Furthermore, excess cholesterol promotes production of the
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neurotoxin, amyloid beta (Ab). We identified a further link between copper,
cholesterol and cognition in the cholesterol-fed rabbit model of AD. It was shown that dietary
cholesterol induces central production of Ab and that copper determines if overproduced Ab is cleared
to the blood or accumulates in brain. Levels of copper ion were manipulated by adding trace amounts
of the metal to an animal’s distilled drinking water. Memory deficits (80%) were associated with brain
Ab deposits in cholesterol-fed animals administered 0.12 PPM copper water, compared to cholesterolfed animals drinking unaltered distilled water where there was minimal accumulation of Ab.
Cholesterol and copper may independently influence copper levels in blood and brain. Adding copper
to the water of animals fed normal chow increases blood and brain copper levels compared to animals
fed normal chow and drinking distilled water. Copper levels are increased in the blood and unchanged
in the brain of cholesterol-fed animals drinking distilled water, while levels are decreased in brain and
increased in the blood of cholesterol-fed animals drinking copper supplemented water. Copper may
inactivate Ab, suggesting low brain copper could enhance Ab induced degeneration in AD. We have
previously reported elevated circulating copper and cholesterol levels in low-function controls (LFC),
MCI and AD compared to high-function controls (HFC). We evaluated brain copper, zinc and iron
levels in HFC, LFC, MCI and AD, and Parkinson’s (PD) patients with and without dementia.
14.A.3
EXCESS OF SERUM ‘FREE’ COPPER IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Rosanna Squitti
AFaR-Hosp. Fatebenefratelli Rome, Italy. (Rome, Italy)
Current research hypotheses on AD point at oxidative stress and metal levels imbalance as potential
factors leading to the accumulation of ß-amyloid (Aß) in the brain. Copper – together with zinc and
iron - accumulates into amyloid plaques and it seems that copper-Aß interaction in AD can result in
H2O2 generation, Aß aggregation and consequent tissue damage. Copper distribution and its
interaction with Aß seem to be crucial in the AD brain, whose circulating copper also appears
abnormal. In fact, we have shown that ‘free’ (i.e., not bound to ceruloplasmin) copper is elevated in
the serum of AD patients and correlates with the patients' cognitive decline, with markers of AD and
with copper in the CSF, with apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele, with the slowing of EEG rhythms, with
abnormalities of liver function (Squitti et al., 2002,2005,2006,2007) and it seems to be prognostic of
cognitive decline. ‘Free’ copper is a ‘low molecular weight’ copper generally associated and
exchanged between micronutrients and albumin. Its level is low in normalcy (< 1.6 µmol/L), but it is
crucial for the transport of copper from plasma to the brain. In particular, we have demonstrated that
serum ‘free’ copper can filter through a membrane with a cut-off of 10 kDa, and - via a clearance
measure - that about 3% of serum ‘free’ copper can cross the blood brain barrier in living patients.
However, the reliability of ‘free’ copper as a marker of AD is under discussion. Evidence in favour of
an excess of ‘free’ copper in AD comes from two studies, a past one from Snaedal et al. (1998) and a
recent one from Kessler et al. (2006). Snaedal et al. (1998) reported similar levels of absolute serum
copper in AD and controls, but significantly lower concentrations of ceruloplasmin. This corresponds
to higher concentrations of ‘free’ copper in AD patients than in controls. Similarly in a recent study by
Kessler and colleagues (2006) a ‘free’ copper value of 4 µmol/L can be calculated in AD patients
14.A.4
DIETARY FAT AND COPPER EFFECTS ON COGNITION
Martha Clare Morris
Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, USA)
There is evidence from epidemiologic and animal studies to suggest that dietary fat composition and
trace metals may be related to neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. These hypotheses were
investigated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a 1993-2002 study of community residents
aged 65 years and older that included the administration of four cognitive tests to all participants and
clinical evaluations for incident Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary assessment was by food frequency
questionnaire. Daily nutrient intakes were computed from food and vitamin supplement sources. Fat
composition was associated with incident Alzheimer’s disease and with cognitive decline over 6 years.
Saturated and trans fat intakes increased disease risk and cognitive decline, and n-3, n-6, and n-9
fatty acids were protectively associated. Dietary intakes of the trace metals, copper, zinc, and iron
(food plus vitamin supplements) were not associated with cognitive decline overall. However, among
persons who had high intakes of saturated and trans fats, high copper intake was associated with
faster rate of cognitive decline over 6 years. The increase in the rate for the high-fat consumers
whose total copper intake was in the top 20% (1.6 mg/d) was the equivalent of 19 years of older age
and was highly statistically significant (<0.0001). A similar but weaker association was observed for
copper intake from food sources only. There was strong linear relation between copper dose in
vitamin supplements and greater cognitive decline. By contrast, there was little evidence of
association between cognitive decline and intakes of zinc and iron. These data suggest that high
intake of dietary copper among persons who have a high-fat diet may be associated with accelerated
loss in cognitive ability.
14.A.5
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE ROLE OF COPPER IN HUMAN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
USING MODEL SYSTEMS
James Camakaris 1, Richard Burke 2, Kirsten Allan 1, Susan Harding 1, Ashley Bush 3, and Shayne
Bellingham 1
1
University of Melbourne (Parkville, Australia); 2 Monash University (Clayton, Australia); 3 Mental
Health Research Institute (Parkville, Australia)
Copper plays a key role in the brain due to its requirement by several critical cuproenzymes. Cu is
involved in several neurodegenerative diseases. Both Cu deficiency and Cu excess can lead to
oxidative stress and severe disease. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease
and is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Senile plaques contain aggregates of beta
amyloid (Abeta) derived from Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and are found in the brain of AD
patients. Neurofibrillary tangles due to aggregates of Tau protein also contribute to AD pathology. Cu
is found in Abeta in plaques and Abeta-Cu oligomers are toxic. Our data suggests that Cu can be
effluxed from neurons bound to a cleaved product of APP, probably Abeta. We have also found that
Cu regulates the APP promoter which is consistent with APP or an APP cleavage product being
involved in Cu homeostasis. The excessive loss of Cu bound to Abeta can lead to a functional Cu
deficiency in neurons which would result in oxidative stress and contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology.
This is supported by our findings of reduced CuZnSOD activity in N2a neuroblastoma cells expressing
familial AD APP mutants. Hence both an intracellular Cu deficiency and an extracellular Cu excess
are likely to be major contributors to Alzheimer’s pathology. Our data also shows that mutation of an
APP ectodomain Cu binding site results in abnormal processing of APP and accumulation of APP in
the membrane. In order to test the role of high and low Cu in AD we are also using a Drosophila
model where familial AD mutant APP or mutant Tau is overexpressed in strains which have been
genetically engineered to have either high or low Cu by overexpressing either Cu uptake or Cu efflux
transporters. The “rough eye” phenotype is being used as an index of neurological damage. Current
data using this controlled system suggests that flies with high Cu levels showed an enhancement of
neurodegeneration due to mutant Tau.
14.B.2
PROTEOMIC AND METABOLOMIC BIOMARKERS FOR ASSESSING LOW DOSE TOXIC TRACE
ELEMENT INTERACTIONS: AN OVERVIEW
Bruce Fowler 1, Elizabeth Conner 2, Hiroshi Yamauchi 3, and Gensheng Wang 4
1
ATSDR (Atlanta, USA); 2 NIH/NCI (Bethesda, USA); 3 Kitasato University (Kitasato, Japan); 4 MD
Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, USA)
Toxic trace element - specific alterations in target cell protein expression patterns (proteomics) and
changes in essential metabolic pathways (metabolomics) have proven extremely valuable for early
detection of toxicity. These molecular approaches have been shown to be capable of detecting
specific response patterns for both individual elements and mixtures of these elements as a function
of dose, duration of exposure and gender. Since these pathways are highly conserved across
species, it is possible to make some extrapolations from experimental model systems to humans. This
presentation will provide an overview of studies designed to examine low dose biomarker effects from
combined exposures to lead, cadmium and arsenic using an in vivo model system. In addition data
from similar in vivo and in vitro studies will examine how combined proteomic and metabolomic
biomarker approaches have provided useful information on early compound and gender - specific
responses from exposures to the semiconductors gallium arsenide and indium arsenide. An overall
conclusion from these studies is that translation of findings from modern basic scientific approaches
can greatly improve risk assessments for toxic trace elements and help to delineate populations at
special risk within the general population.
14.B.3
NEUROLOGICAL AND RENAL EFFECTS OF LOW DOSE EXPOSURE TO ELEMENTAL
MERCURY EXPOSURE FROM AMALGAM IN CHILDREN
Lars Barregard
Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Academy (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Dental amalgam constitutes the most common source of exposure to elemental mercury in the
general population and the possible health risks have been debated for a long time. Many studies
have been performed in adults exposed to low levels of elemental mercury, but until recently few data
were available on this topic in children, who might be more vulnerable. In 2006, two large randomized
controlled trials were published, comparing neuropsychological (full scale IQ, memory, attention,
visuomotor tests) and renal outcomes (e.g. albumin excretion) between children treated with dental
amalgam or composites over a 5-year trial period. The studies included more than 1000 children from
North East USA or Portugal. These studies failed to demonstrate any statistically significant
differences in adverse effects between treatment groups. The increase in urinary mercury in the
amalgam-treated groups compared to controls treated with composites was, however, limited, on
average about 0.5 – 1 µg/g creatinine. The results of these two trials will be reviewed, together with
subsequent studies using this rich data set. The strengths and limitations of the two trials will be
discussed as well as children’s exposure to inorganic mercury in general, and the results of some
recent observational studies of possible adverse effects.
14.B.4
MANGANESE EXPOSURE AS A DETERMINANT OF PARKINSONIAN DAMAGE
Roberto Lucchini, Elisa Albini, Laura Benedetti, Stefano Borghesi, Annalisa Caruso, Eleonora Nan,
Giovanni Parrinello, and Lorenzo Alessio
University of Brescia (Brescia, Italy)
Manganese is an essential element for humans and animals and plays an important role in bone
mineralization, protein and energy metabolism, metabolic regulation, cellular protection from
damaging free radical species, and the formation of glycosaminoglycans. Homeostatic mechanisms
regulate the absorption and excretion rates in order to keep manganese concentration within a strict
range. Nevertheless, short-term exposure to high doses or prolonged exposure to low doses can
determine a manganese overload in the central nervous system, given the slow elimination rate from
this organ. In cases of overload, manganese accumulates in the globus pallidus of the basal ganglia
where it can cause cellular damage on the GABAergic an dopaminergic pathways. As a
consequence, motor function and coordination of fine movements are affected, and mood regulation
as well with marked aggressivity. Human exposure to air concentration higher then 1 mg/m3 can
determine the clinical picture of manganism, an atypical parkinsonism that shows clinical differences
from the typical features of Parkinson’s Disease. After prolonged exposure at much lower levels,
manganese may also act as an environmental trigger and favour the onset of typical Parkinsonian
disturbances. This can be determined by a damage of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia
nigra - pars compacta, which is located very closely to the globus pallidus and shares various
interconnections within the basal ganglia. This hypothesis is presented as based on experimental
animal studies and human epidemiological studies on exposed workers and the general population
resident in the proximities of polluting sources.
14.B.5
KIDNEY AND BONE EFFECTS OF LOW DOSE CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN SWEDEN
Agneta Åkesson
Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden)
Cadmium is a toxic environmental pollutant that all are exposed to via foods considered healthy, such
as whole grains, vegetables and potatoes. High cadmium exposure is well-known to cause kidney and
bone damage but these associations at low-level cadmium exposure need further attention and the
critical exposure level in the general population needs to be defined. We investigated health effects of
cadmium exposure among 820 women, aged 53 to 64 years, within a population-based women’s
health survey in southern Sweden (WHILA) (71% response rate). The area has no known historical
cadmium contamination. Specifically, we assessed the associations between cadmium exposure and
tubular and glomerular function, forearm bone mineral density, and markers of bone metabolism. We
also calculated the benchmark dose, assessed serum 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 and fracture
incidence. Associations were evaluated in multiple linear regression analysis including information on
the possible confounders or effect modifiers. The exposure levels were generally low; the median
urinary cadmium was 0.52 µg/L adjusted to the mean urinary density (1.015 g/mL), corresponding to
0.67 µg/g creatinine and blood cadmium was 0.38 µg/L. Our results showed associations related to
negative effects of low level cadmium exposure on tubuli, glumeruli and bone. Cadmium seemed to
potentiate diabetes-induced effects on kidney as well as postmenopausal bone resorption. The
obtained benchmark doses (95% lower confidence bounds; BMDL) of urinary cadmium were lower
(0.4-0.5 µg/L at 5% additional risk) than the critical concentrations previously reported. The BMDL for
glomerular effects was only slightly higher (0.55 µg/L) than that for tubular effects. Although these
effects were small, they should be considered as early signals of potentially more adverse health
effects.
14.B.6
FACTORS INFLUENCING DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS OF CADMIUM IN HUMANS DIABETES, METALLOTHIONEIN AND METALLOTHIONEIN ANTIBODIES
Taiyi Jin
School of Public Heelth, Fudan University (Shanghai, China)
Cadmium, an environmental pollutant, causes a number of adverse health effects, particularly toward
the kidneys. In this study, we focus on the relationships between MT-Ab, urinary cadmium (UCd) and
kidney function, in a Chinese diabetic 2-microglobulinβpopulation. The results show that tubular
biomarker, urinary (UB2M) increased significantly following the elevation of MT-Ab and urinary
cadmium; however, glomerular biomarker urinary albumin (UALB) did not display such a pattern.
Those patients with tubular but not glomerular damage have highest UB2M，MT-Ab, and UCd levels
compared with those subjects without renal dysfunction and those with glomerular but not tubular
dysfunction. In both gender subjects, UB2M statistically correlate with UCd (r = 0.25 and 0.24, P <
0.05) and MT-Ab (r = 0.21 and 0.21, P < 0.05), while UCd did not show any significant correlation with
MT-Ab (P > 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding covariates, logistic regression only fasting
capillary blood glucose(FCG) had a significant effect on glomerular dysfunction, and the risk increase
2.75 times (95%CI: 1.12-6.74) when FCG was higher that 6.1 mmol/L. However, MT-Ab levels, UCd
levels, and smoking habits significantly increase the risk to develop tubular dysfunction within this
diabetic population. The odds ratios (OR) for MT-Ab levels, UCd levels, and current smoking were
5.56 (95% CI: 2.25-13.73), 3.34 (95% CI: 1.17-9.53), and 3.51 (95% CI: 1.14-10.80), respectively.
This study proved MT-Ab could potentate tubular dysfunction among diabetic subjects, and those
patients with high levels MT-Ab were more prone to develop tubular damage.
14.C.1
OVERVIEW OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMES
Andrew Young
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (Natick, USA)
Millions of people live, work and play in regions of the world where the weather is intemperate or the
elevation is sufficiently high that ambient oxygen pressure is lower than at sea level. In addition, while
relatively few people have traveled in space up to now, increasing numbers of people may engage in
space flight as the century proceeds. The environmental stressors of greatest physiological
importance are hypoxia, cold, heat, and gravity. When humans are exposed to extremes of these
environmental stressors, a variety of physiological responses manifest that assist in re-establishing
and/or maintaining homeostasis. Those physiological responses could have implications for dietary
micronutrient requirements, e.g., sweating-associated trace element losses. Further, physiological
responses to exercise can be a major factor influencing nutritional requirements, and responses to
strenuous physical activity can be exacerbated by extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, to
begin considering how extreme environments affect dietary trace element requirements, this
presentation will identify key environmental factors constituting biologically significant stress for
humans. Furthermore, the physiological adjustments elicited by those stressors, especially those
exhibited by physically active persons engaging in strenuous activities, will be discussed.
14.C.2
IRON HOMEOSTASIS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMES
James McClung
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (Natick, USA)
Dietary iron confers biological function through incorporation into a series of proteins, including
hemoglobin and myoglobin for the transport and storage of oxygen, and cytochromes for the oxidative
production of cellular energy. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disorder in
the world, affecting mainly premenopausal women. Changes in immune function, cognitive
performance, and work capacity have been described in humans and animals with suboptimal iron
status. Iron status indicators may be affected by a number of environmental conditions, including
altitude and exposure to heat. Furthermore, physical activity seems to affect iron status. A recent line
of studies has investigated the effect of combat training on iron status in female military personnel.
Decrements in iron status indicators, including serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and red cell width
have been reported following eight weeks of military training. This review will focus on the effects of
extreme environmental conditions on iron homeostasis, citing recent studies with female military
personnel as example of a population that may be sensitive to decrements in iron status.
Furthermore, potential nutritional interventions to mitigate the effect of environmental extremes on iron
status will be discussed.
14.C.3
MINERAL HOMEOSTASIS AT HIGH ALTITUDE: FOCUS ON ANTIOXIDANTS
Andrew Subudhi
University of Colorado (Colorado Springs, USA)
Accelerated metabolic rate and free radical production at high altitude increase macronutrient and
vitamin requirements; however, data concerning mineral homeostasis at this extreme environment are
scarce (Butterfield, 1999). Since minerals are important structural components of many antioxidant
enzymes, measurements of specific enzyme activities and oxidative stress can yield insight into
mineral status during exposures to high altitude. Particularly, the Cu, Zn isoform of superoxide
dismutase (SOD1) and Se dependent cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx) have been studied during
both short-term (< 24 hrs) and prolonged (>24 hrs) exposures to high altitude. In general, antioxidant
capacity has been sufficient to counterbalance oxidative stress during short-term exposures.
Specifically, acute altitude exposure did not increase whole-body markers of oxidative stress or
antioxidant activity of erthyrocyte SOD1 or GPx in individuals eating a well-balanced diet, although
repeated short-term exposures tended to deplete antioxidant reserves over time (Subudhi et al.,
2001). Prolonged altitude exposure has been associated with increased markers of oxidative stress,
but has had equivocal effects on antioxidant enzyme systems. Se status was not compromised during
the first 14 days at high altitude, as GPx activity was similar to low altitude conditions and unaffected
by Se supplementation (Subudhi et al., 2004). Additionally, SOD1 activity was increased over 13
months at high altitude, suggesting favorable Cu and Zn status (Rawal et al., 1999). To date, research
does not indicate a significant disruption in mineral balance at high altitude, yet future studies are
needed to determine the effect of altitude on actual plasma and tissue concentrations of various
minerals.
14.C.4
MINERAL HOMEOSTASIS DURING SPACEFLIGHT: BONE DEMINERALIZATION
Scott Smith
NASA (Houston, USA)
Bone loss during spaceflight remains a significant challenge to astronaut health on space exploration
missions. Associated short-term risks, including renal stone formation, and long-term risks of fractures
and increased skeletal fragility, are all matters of concern. Spaceflight-induced bone loss is one of the
effects of weightlessness in which nutrition clearly can play a role, either positive or negative. Findings
from spaceflight and studies using ground-based analogs of flight (such as bed rest) clearly indicate
that bone resorption increases during and after flight. Maintaining vitamin D status remains a
challenge for long-duration space travelers, who lack exposure to ultraviolet light in their shielded
craft. A great many nutrients besides calcium and vitamin D play a role in bone health, and may play a
role in astronaut health during spaceflight. These include excess dietary sodium, excess dietary
protein, and insufficient vitamin K. Excess dietary protein and sodium both seem to affect acid/base
balance, and subsequently to increase bone resorption. This phenomenon appears to be exacerbated
during bed rest. This provides one example of how studying the relationship between nutrition and
physiology in spaceflight analogs has proven valuable to space travelers, and has also furthered our
understanding of health and disease on Earth. Nutrition—defined as the appropriate nutrient intake
and balance of nutrients—is essential for crew health on space exploration missions. Exercise and/or
pharmaceutical countermeasures will not mitigate weightlessness-induced bone loss if the nutrients
required for bone health are not available (or are available in excess). Much work remains to clearly
define the nutritional requirements for space travel, and whether dietary alterations may provide safe
and effective countermeasures.
14.C.5
MINERAL LOSSES DURING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Henry Lukaski
USDA, ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (Grand Forks, USA)
Minerals are nutrients that are conserved by the body. During exposure to environmental stimuli, such
as heat and/or exercise, the excretion of minerals, macro (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and micro (Cu, Fe, Zn),
occurs through the body surface in the form of cellular desquamation and sweat, as well as in the
urine. Whereas it is well established that urinary excretion of minerals increases following physical
activity, compared to no activity, there is uncertainty regarding surface mineral losses during acute,
compared to prolonged bouts of exercise, as well as on repeated days in a hot environment. Surface
losses of minerals, total of cellular and sweat, have been sampled from various sites of the body
including upper and lower arm, chest, back, thigh, and forehead by using different collection devices
or materials. These losses are expressed as concentrations of minerals (mg/L or ng/L), are
appreciable, and show wide intra- and inter-individual variability. In general, conservation of minerals
occurs during prolonged and repeated bouts of exercise in the heat. Methods of sweat collection,
sources of contamination, differences by sex, and trends of mineral losses in heat acclimated and
unacclimated individuals will be presented. The impact of surface losses of minerals on body mineral
retention also will be discussed.
14.D.1
CHANGES IN DIETARY IRON LEVELS AFFECT BRAIN MANGANESE ACCUMULATION AND
DISTRUBUTION
Michael Aschner 1, Vanessa Fitsanakis 1, Na Zhang 1, Keith Anderson 2, John Gore 1, and Malcolm
Avison 1
1
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, USA); 2 University of North Carolina (Greensboro, USA)
Occupational exposure to manganese (Mn) has been associated with the onset of psychological and
motor symptoms in some individuals, leading to a phenotype called manganism. Since Mn and Fe are
transported by the same proteins, we determined whether changes in dietary Fe levels alter the brain
Mn deposition patters. Previous data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and atomic absorption
(AA) spectroscopic techniques demonstrated regionally specific and latter more global bran Mn
accumulation in treated populations compared to controls. In the current study, two groups of adult
male rats were fed either Fe-deficient (3 mg Fe/kg) or Fe-supplemented (30 mg Fe/kg) chow for 14
weeks. Both groups were also given weekly intravenous injections of 3 mg Mn/kg. Animals were
weighed weekly, a measure of general health. At the conclusion of the study, brains were removed
and dissected into various regions and the amount of Mn and Fe determined. Data was compared to
control and Mn-treated animals from a previous study. Fe-supplemented animals weighed significantly
less than other groups throughout the course of the study (one-way repeated measure ANOVA, p <
0.05). Atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated no difference in brain Mn or Fe levels between the
Fe-deficient or Fe-supplemented groups. However, both groups showed an increase in brain Mn
levels in the cerebellum, brain stem, striatum and cortex compared to control and Mn-treated cohorts
(p < 0.05). Interestingly, there was a trend to decreased brain Fe levels in both Fe-modulated groups.
This reached statistical significance in the Fe-deficient populations in the cerebellum, brain stem,
midbrain and cortex (p < 0.05) compared to control. These data suggest that any change in dietary Fe
levels exacerbates brain Mn accumulation, and alters normal brain Fe distribution in multiple discrete
brain regions. This work was supported by DoD W81XWH-05-1-0239 project 04149002 (MA and VF),
and NIEHS ES 10563 (MA).
14.D.2
MOLECULAR CARCINOGENICITY OF NICKEL IONS TARGETS HIF-1 PROLYL
HYDROXYLASES AND HISTONE-3 LYSINE 9 DEMETHYLASES
Max Costa
NYU School of Medicine (New York, USA)
Both soluble and insoluble nickel compounds have been implicated as carcinogens. Ni ions compete
with Fe transport and are taken up into cells in place of Fe via the Divalent Metal Ion transporter,
resulting in a depletion of cellular Fe. HIF-1 alpha transcription factor is stabilized and then activates
transcription of its numerous target genes. ( VEGF, Glucose transporters, glycolytic enzymes etc.)
The primary mechanism by which Ni ions stabilize and persistently activate HIF-1 alpha is by
inhibition of Fe, oxoglutarate, ascorbic acid dependent dioxygenases that regulate the stability and
transcriptional activity of HIF-1 alpha. ( PHD1-3 and FIH) Ni ions are believed to displace and deplete
Fe from these enzymes. Hypoxia and Ni ion exposure result in a global loss of histone acetylation and
an increase in the methylation of H3K9 resulting in a loss of DHFR and Mlh1 ( mismatch repair)
expression in nucleosomes having H3K9 dimethylation as determined by the CHIP assay. Recent
experiments have demonstrated the existence of a H3K9 demethylase that shares similarity to the Fe,
oxoglutarate and ascorbic acid dependent dioxygenases. We hypothesized that Ni ions inhibited
these demethylases causing enhanced global H3K9 methylation which will lead to DNA methylation
and gene silencing. We have expressed recombinant JHDM2A ( H3K9-demethylase) and the 50%
inhibitory level for Ni ions is 25 uM. In contrast purified Aconitase is not significantly inhibited at 10mM
Ni ions in vitro. Ni ions favor binding the JMJC Fe containing domain of these dioxygenase enzymes
and we hypothesize that all of these enzymes represent major targets for Ni ions in the cell. In
particular the stabilization of HIF-1 alpha and histone methylation contribute to Ni ion carcinogenicity.
14.D.3
REPROGRAMMING OF HISTONE MARKS BY CHROMIUM
Alvaro Puga, Li Peng, and Michael Schnekenburger
University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, USA)
Hexavalent chromium is among the top 20 in the Priority List of Hazardous Substances and is
commonly found as an environmental co-contaminant with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as
benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Exposure to binary mixtures of these two agents causes multiple adverse
health effects that do not show additive or synergistic associations. As an occupational hazard, more
than one million workers in the USA alone are exposed to chromium (VI) in the work place. Chromium
exposure alters inducible gene expression, forms chromium-DNA adducts and chromium-DNA crosslinks, and disrupts transcriptional activator/coactivator complexes. In addition, chromium has been
associated with the incidence of birth defects and congenital malformations. We find that chromium
blocks B(a)P-inducible gene expression by interfering with the assembly of productive transcriptional
complexes at the promoters of over 50 different Ah receptor (AHR)-inducible genes involved in a
variety of signal transduction pathways. These effects of chromium result from the inhibition of critical
chromatin remodeling steps necessary for gene transactivation, including release of complexes of
DNA methyl transferase-1 (DNMT-1) and histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1) from the promoters of
affected genes and subsequent recruitment of p300. Chromium-induced repression is inhibited by 5aza-deoxycytidine. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that Cr exposure leads to an
inhibition of critical histone marks connected with B(a)P-mediated induction of gene expression, such
as histone H3 S10 phosphorylation, H3 K4 tri-methylation, and both H3 and H4 acetylation. These
data help develop an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity associated
with environmental chromium exposures and provide an experimental approach to the analysis of
epigenetic modifications induced by chromium. Supported by NIEHS grants P30 ES06096, 2R01
ES06273 and 1R01 ES10807.
14.D.4
ARSENIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND MOLECULAR MECHANISM
Y. James Kang
University of Louisville (Louisville, USA)
Arsenic trioxide is highly effective in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In
September 2000, the Trisenox brand of arsenic trioxide for the treatment of relapsed and refractory
APL was approved in the United States. A clinical report has shown a serious ventricular tachycardia
at the therapeutic doses of arsenic trioxide in APL patients. To investigate the cardiotoxic effect of
arsenic trioxide, a mouse model of arsenic cardiotoxicity was used. Mice were injected
intraperitoneally with arsenic trioxide in 5 mg/kg/d for 30 days, a dose regiment that has been shown
to produce plasma concentrations of arsenic within the range of those present in arsenic-treated APL
patients. Analysis of myocardial function revealed that arsenic caused a significant decrease in the
maximum rate of rise in intraventricular pressure during ventricular contraction (MAX dP/dt), and
significant increases in the end diastolic pressure and ventricle minimum diastolic pressure. In
response to b-adrenergic stimulation the arsenic-treated heart did not show increase in MAX dP/dt,
which was observed in the saline-treated controls. The functional alterations were accompanied by
cardiomyopathy as revealed by histopathological and ultrastructural examination. Furthermore,
arsenic caused myocardial apoptosis, as determined by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, which was confirmed by caspase-3 activation detected by
enzymatic assay. The arsenic cardiotoxic effects can be prevented if metallothionein, a thiol-rich small
protein, is elevated in the heart of transgenic mice. Our study thus demonstrates that arsenic, in a
dose that could produce clinically comparable serum concentrations to those observed in humans,
causes cardiotoxicity. The arsenic cardiac toxicity is related to its interaction with intracellular thiols.
Therefore, elevation of small thiol-protein, metallothionein, greatly attenuated arsenic cardiotoxicity.
14.E.1
ION AND ELECTRON BEAMS METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT
CHARACTERISATION AT BIOCERAMICS/CELLS INTERFACE.
Edouard Jallot
Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire CNRS/IN2P3 UMR 6533 (Aubiere, France)
Ion and electron beams methods of analysis are based on X-ray fluorescence induced after
interactions between charged particles and atoms present in the samples. They permit to obtain
simultaneously multi-elemental maps and concentrations measurements of major, minor and trace
elements with a spatial resolution from micrometer to nanometer. Micro-PIXE, STEM associated to
EDXS are useful techniques to determine locally concentrations gradients at biomaterials/cells
interface.The prerequisite for bioceramics (calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses) to bond to living
bone is the formation of biologically active apatites on their surface in the body. Reactions and
bioactivity mechanisms between bioceramics and cells depend on the materials composition in major
and trace elements. Knowledge of the local concentration and species of ions released at the
ceramics/biological fluids/cells interface is primordial to understand the complex interfacial reactions
and physico-chemical properties of ceramics. This work characterises the interface that bioactive
ceramics particles develop after interactions with biological fluids with or without cells. Results
demonstrate materials dissolution, ionic leaching and precipitation of a biomimetic apatite layer at
bioceramics surface. This bioactive layer contains biological relevant trace elements. Cells viability
can be altered by the presence of bioactive ceramics particles and their features. Determination of
intracellular ionic concentrations of cells in a state near the physiological state is of importance to
better study cells viability. Use of cryo-methods for cells fixation limit diffusion phenomenon of ions
and preserve the chemical identity of specimens. Then, X-ray analysis of samples allows to study
intracellular ions like Na, K, Cl. Moreover, it is also possible to evaluate the intracellular concentration
of Mg, P and S at the subcellular level. Thus, the K/Na ratio can be used as a sensitive criteria of cells
viability.
14.E.2
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUE ON TRACE ELEMENT DETERMINATION IN BIOLOGICAL
SAMPLES
Maria -Luisa Carvalho, and José Rebôcho
University of Lisbon (Lisbon, Portugal)
Elemental composition of tissues and in particular trace elements has gained interest over the last few
years, due to the increasing knowledge of the role of some elements and the correlation between
abnormal concentration of some elements and pathological effects. Trace elements, although in
concentrations of the order of g g-1, they play an important role in the organism. Some trace elements
areµa “essential elements” for the organism, which means that the organism can neither grow nor
complete its life cycle if the element is not supplied in sufficient quantity. Deficiency or excess of the
element leads to specific diseases. On the other hand, between the trace elements are the “toxic
elements”, mostly the heavy metals. The toxic effect of the heavy metals is at different levels and can
depend on the chemical form of the element. Essential elements can also become toxic at high
concentration, and there is a wide range of toxicity, depending on the element and the preference
tissue for accumulation. It will be presented studies of toxic elements, e.g. cadmium and its effects in
plant cells, Hg in dolphins tissues, Pb elemental profiles in human teeth collected from contemporary
miners, fishermen, and patients with renal insufficiency and populations of different pre-historical
periods. The used technique for these studies is X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. It is based on the
ionization of the atoms of the sample by means of an incident X-Ray beam. The atoms getting back to
its fundamental state emit characteristic radiation. The detection of these photons allows identification
and quantification of the elements present in the sample. Quantitative calculations for S, Cl, K, Ca,
Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Ba and Pb in liver, brain and kidney of healthy and cirrhosis disease
human samples were performed.
14.E.3
ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODS IN FOOD NANOPARTICLES TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH
FOR A SAFE FOOD NANOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Enrico Sabbioni
European Commission (Ispra, Varese, Italy)
The new EU Chemical Policy foresees regulatory actions to prevent health risks of exposure to
chemicals. Different kinds of toxicity data must be produced to improve the scientific basis of risk
assessment. In this context, ECVAM has been set up in order to coordinate, at European level,
activities to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative toxicity testing. In
particular, advanced approaches that have less or no dependence on animal experimentation (cell
cultures) represent the basis of “in house” projects concerning development and validation of
mechanistically-based in vitro toxicity testing. In this context, such approaches have a great potential
in the emerging area of toxicology research on nanomaterials. In particular, the possibility that food is
designed by shaping molecules and atoms at an extremely small scale is opening up a whole
universe of new applications. Unfortunately, in spite of the great excitement about the potential
benefits offered by nanotechnology in food industry a huge health and safety questions remain
unsolved. In particular, there is a gap in the current regulation of nanomaterials and there are
emerging toxicological evidences to fear that manufactured nanomaterials could have undesirable
health effects. In this context, food nanotoxicology research is an urgent need for the assessment of
the health impact of nanomaterials relevant to food industry and food processing and it is important
that the regulations are tightened up so that nanomaterials are assessed, both in terms of testing and
labelling as new chemicals. The aim of this work is to review and to show the potential that in vitro
cellular and non-cellular assays can have in food nanotoxicology research in order to take into
account the substantial ethical, political, financial and regulatory pressures to reduce, refine and
replace animal use with alternative non animal assays (3Rs approach).
14.F.1
ROLE OF ZINC IN ENDOTHELIAL CELL FUNCTION: IMPLICATIONS IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Bernhard Hennig
University of Kentucky (Lexington, USA)
Zinc has multiple roles in maintaining the physiological conditions of the cardiovasculature. We
hypothesized that a depressed zinc status may be involved in either initiation of vascular endothelial
cell injury or inadequate vascular tissue repair. Thus, zinc requirements of the endothelium may be
increased during inflammatory conditions that exist in cardiovascular disease. To assess the
protective mechanisms of zinc during an endothelial cell (EC) inflammatory and zinc,response, EC
were activated by treatment with linoleic acid or TNF deficiency was induced by treatment with the
membrane permeable zinc chelator TPEN. We demonstrated that zinc deficiency induced oxidative
stress, increased the DNA binding activity of NF-kB and AP-1, and increased EC production of IL-6.
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) may have antiatherogenic properties. We found
that zinc deficiency decreased PPAR activation and protein expression. In contrast, zinc
supplementation markedly increased PPAR activation and expression, which was correlated with
downregulation of DNA binding activity of NF-kB and AP-1. Our data demonstrate that zinc exhibits
potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, zinc appears to protect against EC
activation and inflammation by functioning as a critical component of the PPAR transcription factor
complex. A recently completed in vivo study suggests that in an atherosclerotic mouse model PPAR
signaling is compromised during zinc deficiency and that adequate dietary zinc is critical for proper
function of the anti-diabetic medicine rosiglitazone. In summary, our data suggest that zinc can
downregulate the pathways of signal transduction leading to an inflammatory response and to
disruption of endothelial cell integrity. Thus, zinc may have critical nutritive and therapeutic roles in
inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Supported in part by grants from NIEHS/NIH (ES
07380), USDA/NRI (2001-01054) and UK AES.
14.F.2
OXIDATIVE STRESS IN TUMOR PROGRESSION: INTERVENTION BY SELENIUM
Peter Brenneisen
Heinrich-Heine-University (Düsseldorf, Germany)
Myofibroblasts, pivotal for tumor progression, populate the microecosystem of reactive stroma. The
potential involvement of reactive oxygen species in the mesenchymal-mesenchymal transition (MMT)
of human dermal (stromal) fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was studied. We addressed the question of
whether intervention with micronutrients such as selenium as well as antioxidants may affect this
process in stromal cells and the invasive capacity of skin-derived squamous carcinoma cells. Using a
broad spectrum of biochemical and molecular biological methods [ref.1], we found that upon treatment
with conditioned medium of tumor cells and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), respectively,
the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of fibroblasts was increased via a protein
kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. The elevated ROS level, assessed as lipid hydroperoxides,
initiates a signaling process resulting in both MMT and release of proinvasive signals. Using a filterbased in-vitro invasion assay, a significant increase in invasive capacity of tumor cells was measured,
based on a paracrine effect of myofibroblast-derived hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Preincubation of fibroblasts with selenite,
selenoprotein P or other antioxidants lowered TGFβ1-initiated lipid peroxidation, subsequently
resulting in inhibition of expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a biomarker for
myofibroblastic cells, as well as in lowering of the invasive capacity of tumor cells. Taken together,
TGFβ1 is considered to play a major role in the generation of “tumor-educated” fibroblasts, namely
myofibroblasts. The novel concept of stromal therapy, meaning the protection of stromal cells against
the dominating influence of tumor cells in tumor-stroma interaction by micronutrients and/or
antioxidants, may contribute to anti-invasive and anti-metastatic strategies.
14.F.3
EFFECT OF ZINC ON DNA INTEGRITY AND CANCER RISK
Emily Ho
Oregon State University (Corvallis, USA)
There is increasing evidence that micronutrient deficiencies may damage DNA and increase cancer
risk. A large proportion of the population has inadequate zinc intakes. Zinc is a component of over 300
proteins, including DNA-binding proteins with zinc fingers, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and DNA
repair proteins such as p53, a zinc protein which is mutated in half of human tumors. It can be
hypothesized that insufficient zinc intake can impair antioxidant defenses and compromise DNA repair
mechanisms, making the cell highly susceptible to oxidative DNA damage. Using of both genomic
strategies (using microarray technology), and functional assays, we have found that zinc deficiency
increases DNA damage, oxidative stress, expression of DNA repair enzymes but impairs downstream
signaling events in a cell culture model. This data demonstrates that zinc deficiency causes oxidative
stress and DNA damage, but important downstream signals leading to proper DNA repair are lost
without zinc. In vivo, we have also found that zinc deficiency increases DNA damage in peripheral
blood cells, and increases several markers of oxidative stress. Consequently, zinc deficiency not only
causes oxidative stress and induces DNA damage, but also compromises the cell’s ability to repair
this damage. Zinc deficiency also significantly increases the sensitivity of cells to DNA damaging
agents, such as low dose ionizing radiation. Moreover, expression profiles in zinc adequate and zinc
deficient cells following irradiation differed markedly, suggesting alterations in transcriptional response
with zinc deficiency following exposure to DNA damaging agents. This work strongly suggests that
zinc deficiency has a detrimental effect on DNA integrity and emphasizes the importance of good
nutrition in the prevention of cancer.
14.F.4
MAINTAINING COPPER BALANCE: ROLES OF COPPER TRANSPORTERS AND CHAPERONES
Jesse Bertinato, Eleonora Swist, Monica Iskandar, and Mary L'Abbé
Health Canada (Ottawa, Canada)
Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role as a catalytic co-factor for a
number of metalloenzymes involved in various biochemical processes including cellular respiration,
antioxidant defence, development of connective tissue, pigment biosynthesis, iron homeostasis and
neurotransmitter production. Cu’s redox chemistry, however, also makes it a potentially toxic metal if
not properly utilized. Therefore, cells have evolved elaborate systems to control the uptake,
distribution and elimination of Cu. Characterization of Cu transporters that mediate Cu uptake or efflux
and the identification of Cu chaperones that deliver Cu to specific cellular targets have greatly
improved our understanding of the mechanisms by which cells effectively use Cu and maintain Cu
homeostasis. In yeast, Cu transporter 2 (Ctr2) is thought to function as a vacuolar Cu transporter that
mobilizes Cu from the vacuole to the cytosol. Cu chaperone for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (CCS)
inserts Cu into the antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Using a transient overexpression
approach in COS-7 (monkey kidney) cells we have shown that although the majority of Ctr2 is
localized to the outer membrane of cytoplasmic vesicles, a small proportion is present at the plasma
membrane where it promotes specific, saturable Cu uptake. We have also demonstrated that CCS
protein is upregulated by Cu deficiency and that Cu regulates CCS degradation by the 26 S
proteosome. Using a rat model, CCS was determined to be a sensitive indicator of mild Cu deficiency
induced by moderately high intakes of zinc. The potential roles of Ctr2 in Cu transport in the context of
known Cu-trafficking pathways in mammalian cells and the application of CCS as a biomarker of Cu
status will be discussed.
14.G.1
POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION OF WILSON’S DISEASE WITH HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
YanHong Gu 1, and Hiroko Kodama 2
1
National Research Institute for Child Health and Development (Tokyo, Japan); 2 Teikyo University
School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson’s disease (WD) is a hereditary disorder of copper accumulation that results in abnormally high
levels of copper in the body, primarily in the liver. Hepatic copper accumulation can lead to chronic
active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fulminant hepatic failure. Although WD causes liver cirrhosis,
hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) is rare in patients with WD, compared to that of hepatitis C virusrelated cirrhotic patients. However, a Long-Evans rat with cinnamon-like coat color (LEC) rat, an
animal model for this disease, is known to exhibit HCC, suggesting that copper accumulation in the
liver may be associated with carcinoma. There is a low incidence of HCC in patients with WD, but this
may be attributable to the significantly shortened life expectancy in untreated patients. The effect of
elevated hepatic copper levels on oncogenesis is still unclear. Our studies indicate that the
accumulation of copper is not homogeneous in the liver of patients with WD, but is rather 1.4 to 3.6
fold higher in the right lobe than the left lobe. To examine the association between hepatic copper
load and the development of carcinoma, we examined the localization of HCC in patients with
previously reported WD. Twenty-three patients with WD-associated HCC were reported from 1959 to
2007. All of the patients had hepatic cirrhosis. The mean ages at diagnosis of WD and HCC were 33.8
years (6 to 66) and 37.9 years (12 to 66), respectively. Serological tests for anti-HCV antibody, HCV
RNA, or both, were described in 5 of the 23 patients and were negative in all cases. Tests for HBV
were performed in 13 of the 23 patients, and only one patient was positive for anti-HBs and anti-HBc
antibody. From the reports with description of the position of HCC, HCC was found in the right hepatic
lobe in 10 of 15 patients, and in left lobe in 4 of 15 patients. From these results, we will discuss the
association of the accumulation of copper in the liver with carcinogenesis.
14.G.2
CARCINOGENESIS IN LEC RAT AND PATIENTS WITH WILSON DISEASE
Norikazu Shimizu 1, and Tsugutoshi Aoki 2
1
Toho University School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan); 2 Toho University (Tokyo, Japan)
Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from the defective functioning of copper
transport P-type ATPase (ATP7B). It reveals a reduction in the rate of copper incorporation into
ceruloplasmin, and a reduction in the biliary excretion of copper. Copper accumulates in the liver,
brain, cornea, kidney and others. The major clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are cirrhosis,
extrapyramidal signs and Kayser-Fleischer rings. The typical biochemical features of these patients
are low serum ceruloplasmin levels and high urinary copper excretion. The hepatic copper content
increases remarkably. Prognosis of Wilson disease is very poor without treatment. However, after the
introduction of copper chelating agents, the patient’s prognosis improves dramatically.The LongEvans cinnamon (LEC) rats, which are a mutant inbred strain isolated from Long-Evans rats, develop
hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
Approximately 40% of LEC rats die of fulminant hepatitis, and remaining 60% of LEC rats survive and
develop hepatocellular carcinoma. They also demonstrate many clinical and biochemical features of
Wilson disease, including a low serum ceruloplasmin level, a high urinary copper excretion and
remarkably increased copper content in the liver. A partial deletion at 3’ end of atp7b, the rat gene
homologous to ATP7B, has been identified in the LEC rats. The LEC rats are a rodent model for
Wilson disease.Although human hepaticellular carcinoma is a well-recognized complication of
cirrhosis, a relationship has not been recognized between hepatocellular carcinoma and Wilson
disease. Authors expect that the prevalence of liver cancer in Wilson disease may increase as
survival improves. The LEC rats will serve as an important model of investigation about the
mechanism and prevention for this problem.
14.G.3
THE EFFECTS OF HEPATIC COPPER OVERLOAD ON DEVELOMENT OF HEPATOCELLULAR
CARCINOMA (HCC) IN HCV-POSITIVE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE.
Masaaki Ebara
Kameda Medical Center (Kamogawa, Japan)
Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major etiologic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in
Japan and some European countries, the mechanism leading to HCC has not yet been elucidated.
We have reported that (1) Hepatic Cu content increases with progression of hepatic fibrosis but not
hepatic Fe and Zn contents. (2) Accumulation of Cu in HCC, especially in small tumors (<40 mm), is
greater than that in the surrounding liver parenchyma. (3) Cu exists in the form of Cu-metallothionein
(Cu-MT) in HCC, and this Cu-MT produces hydroxyl radicals when H2O2 is produced, according to a
study of Long-Evans rats with a cinnamon-like coat color who develop HCC spontaneously. We have
suggested that Cu accumulation in the liver parenchyma may be closely related to
hepatocarcinogenesis. On the basis of these results, we investigated the relationship between trace
metals and the prevalence of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis or hepatic cirrhosis caused by
HCV. We measured the contents of Cu, Fe, and Zn in HCC tissue (n = 112), dysplastic nodules (n =
7), and liver parenchyma in patients with (n = 112) and without (n = 12) HCC. Metals were quantified
in thin-needle biopsy specimens using the particle-induced X-ray emission method (PIXE). Cu level in
liver parenchyma was higher in patients with HCC than in those without HCC (p < 0.01), while there
was no such difference in hepatic Fe. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, Cu content in the liver
parenchyma was higher in the presence of HCC than in its absence (p < 0.05). Multiple regression
analysis showed that the only factor significantly associated with the coexistence of HCC in HCVpositive patients with chronic liver disease was the Cu level in the liver parenchyma. Conclusion:
Hepatic copper overload may contribute to the development of HCC in HCV-positive patients with
chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
14.G.4
COPPER TRANSPORTERS REGULATE THE CELLULAR PHARMACOLOGY OF CISPLATIN
Stephen Howell
UCSD Moores Cancer Center (La Jolla, USA)
There is now a large body of evidence to indicate that the copper (Cu) transporters CTR1, ATP7A and
ATP7B regulate the cellular pharmacology and cytotoxicity of cisplatin (DDP), and that these proteins
can mediate acquired DDP resistance. Cells that have acquired resistance to cisplatin (DDP)
demonstrate cross-resistance to copper (Cu) and vice versa. The cross-resistance between DDP and
Cu is characterized by parallel changes in Cu and DDP accumulation and altered expression of the
Cu efflux transporters ATP7A and ATP7B. Yeast, mouse and human cells engineered to alter the
expression of CTR1, ATP7A or ATP7B exhibit altered sensitivity to both Cu and DDP. Detailed
studies of uptake and efflux indicate that each protein individually can alter the cellular pharmacology
of DDP, and in some cases the DDP analogs carboplatin and oxaliplatin. The major Cu influx
transporter CTR1 appears to be the primary transporter mediating the initial influx of DDP. Knockout
of CTR1 in either yeast or mammalian cells markedly reduces their ability to accumulate either Cu or
DDP. Recent studies have demonstrated that DDP triggers the internalization and degradation of
CTR1 via a process that involves macropinocytosis, and that DDP is much more potent than Cu in
down-regulating CTR1 expression. While other transporters may also participate in the influx and
efflux of the platinum drugs, available evidence supports the concept that DDP enters the cell, is
distributed within the cell, and is exported by mechanisms that evolved to manage Cu homeostasis.
14.H.1
ZINC AND THE COMMON COLD: ASPECTS OF SOLUTION CHEMISTRY
George Eby
George and Patsy Eby Foundation (Austin, USA)
Common colds were shortened by 7 days in a 1984 clinical trial using zinc gluconate throat lozenges
each 2 hours. Between then and now, other double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed
widely varying results. Re-analysis of these trials presents solution chemistry methods to elucidate
differences in efficacy. Statistically significant correlation was shown between total daily dosages of
positively charged zinc species and reductions in median (p = 0.005) and mean duration (p < 0.02) of
common colds in these trials. Positively charged zinc species could shorten colds by 5 to 7 days,
neutrally charged species had no effect on duration or severity and negatively charged species could
lengthen colds by up to 4.5 days. The biologically closed mouth-nose electric circuit influences the
incidence of common cold occurance.
14.H.2
TREATMENT OF THE COMMON COLD WITH ZINC: EFFECT ON PRO-INFLAMMATORY
CYTOKINE (SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST) AND ICAM-1
Ananda Prasad 1, Frances Beck 2, Bao Bin 2, Diane Snell 2, and James Fitzgerald 3
1
Wayne State University (Detroit, USA); 2 Wayne State University School of Medicine (Detroit, USA);
3
The University of Michigan School of Medicine (Ann Arbor, USA)
Adults and children in the United States experience two to six colds per year. Evidence that zinc is an
effective therapy for colds is inconsistent. We conducted a study to test the efficacy of zinc acetate
lozenges in reducing the duration of symptoms of the common cold. We conducted a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty ambulatory volunteers were recruited within 24 h of
developing symptoms of the common cold. Participants took one lozenge containing 13.3 mg of zinc
as acetate or placebo every 3 hours while awake as long as they had cold symptoms. Compared with
the placebo group, the zinc group had shorter mean overall duration of cold symptoms (3.5 vs 7.4
days, p<.001) cough (2.1 vs 5.3 days, p<.001), and nasal discharge (3.0 vs 4.7 days, p=.02). Mean
changes in soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist level and interstitial cell adhesion molecule
(ICAM-1) decreased in zinc group and differed significantly from the placebo group. Mean changes in
plasma zinc levels were higher in the zinc group and differed significantly from the placebo group. In
conclusion, administration of zinc lozenges was associated with reduced duration of cold symptoms.
Improvement in clinical symptoms with zinc treatment may be related to a decrease in proinflammatory cytokine levels. A decrease in ICAM-1 levels suggest that zinc may have decreased the
binding sites for cold viruses to the endothelium.